[AD] Mental health is a topic that is slowly becoming more understood. Parents and teachers are taking extra precaution when it comes to looking for small signs indicating children may be suffering in silence. As parents and carers, it is important to ensure that children are informed on how mental health can affect them and feel supported through each stage of their development. Whilst in some cases professionals may need to get involved, there are many things that can be done to prevent it getting that far. Here is some advice on how to support your child with their mental health.
Ways to support your child with their mental health
Model healthy coping techniques
One of the easiest ways to begin this process is by teaching your child how to cope with their emotions in a healthy way. You can practice these skills together by talking them through and helping them work on it independently too. Figure out what helps soothe your child and make it a direct response to their overwhelming feelings. For example, if they get anxious easily, teach them deep breathing. Likewise, if stress is a struggle, remind them to step away from difficult situations. They can come back to them later on.
Keep an eye out for changes in their behaviour
It is very normal for children to go through different stages in their behaviour as they grow up. Moodiness and anger are more present in early teens as they develop. However, if you are noticing that your child is withdrawing from friends and isolating themselves, it may be a sign that they are dealing with something that they cannot completely understand. Check in with your child regularly and let them know you are there whenever they need you.
Be open
Ensure your home is a place where communication is open and honest. This will be great for times where your child feels alone and needs a safe space to open up their feelings in. Remind them daily how much you love them. If they are aware of how you feel towards them, it will make it easier for them to come to you with their most private matters.
How do you feel you can support your child with their mental health? Do you think it's best tackling from an early age?
Great post Claire 🙂 I think being open is one of the best things you can do. They know they can come to you as a first port of call whenever they need anything. I'm not a parent myself, but I try to use some of these ideas with my loved ones x
This is such an important topic and parents need to stay aware and sensitive to their child’s needs. Often times parents can be dismissive of how the child us feeling. Allowing time to listen and discuss will teach them do much. Thank you for sharing. 😊
Pastor Natalie (Examine This Moment)
Letstakeamoment.com
This is such an important post! I agree with all your points, definitely helps to be open with the young ones and allow them that space they need to express their emotions. I also think getting them involved in something meaningful to them e.g a hobby is another great way for them to be able to express themselves and have something that is theirs (if that makes sense).
Great post and thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Amazing post Claire, it's so important to support children with their mental health and let them know that it's ok to talk and be open x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Such an interesting post, thank you for sharing this!
Rosie
It's so good how much importance is placed on children's mental health these days. I hope our house will be open and our little one will always feel like he can communicate with us!
Amy x
callmeamy.co.uk