As parents, we must to ensure that children feel safe and secure at every stage of their development. While intervention by a professional may be necessary in instances that children are having a lot of struggles with life but there are many ways parents can aid the child’s mental wellbeing, including teaching healthy coping strategies by maintaining a transparent and open communication and monitoring any changes in your child’s behavior.
Model healthy coping skills
Children can learn to manage the emotions they experience in an appropriate manner by demonstrating skills for coping at home. It is possible to practice these techniques together with your child or walk them through the process independently. For example, deep breathing and using stress balls creating art or taking a walk are excellent ways to help in dealing with emotions.
Be aware of any changes in behavior
It’s normal for children to experience behaviors that change as they move through various developmental stages. If, however, you notice that your child is becoming more distant or lonely from their family, friends and routines, this could be an indication that they’re facing a challenge or feeling they aren’t able to handle it independently. Talk to your child and let them know that you’re here and ready to help them in any way they require.
Be honest and open in your communication
It’s crucial that your child understands that they are able to come to you for any problem, and you will accept them and heard with affection and respect. Just letting them know that you’re here to help and listen without judgement can boost the chance that they’ll go to you if they’re having an issue.
Establish a routine and establish the boundaries for your home
Insecurity about the daily schedule can cause an abundance of anxiety or stress in the child’s world. Establishing a routine at home can offer some peace and relief for your child, no matter if it’s a daily schedule for meals or a weekly film evening. Setting clear boundaries is essential in order for children to be aware of what they are expected to do at home. It can also reduce feelings of discontent between the parent and child.
Let them know that they are loved and appreciated
A child’s an extremely essential things you can do is provide an environment that makes them feel like they are valued and loved. They are assured of their support regardless of their actions which increases their sense of safety and security in the home.
Give positive feedback and encourage
Children love receiving positive feedback and discover that they’ve performed something correctly. When they know that they’ve accomplished something successfully, it can boost feelings of confidence and pride that may be cherished by a child in the in the long run. Additionally, giving positive reinforcement of behavior can often motivate children to replicate the behavior.
Encourage joyful movement
Physical activity is a vital activity for children that is essential for physical and mental well-being. Finding a form of movement that they love starting at a young age, is an excellent method to keep them in a state of engagement and interest. Being involved in movement along with your child can be the best way to keep children engaged.
Speak about feelings and emotions often
Children learn a lot from being around their parent’s, which includes the way they behave when it comes down to emotion expression and control. Instead of merely saying that the day went good take the time to talk about the various emotions that you experienced throughout the day about your kid. Talk with them about your feelings of stress at work or annoyed with a colleague, and discuss with them how you dealt with your emotions during that time. This will help them understand that these emotions are normal, offers suggestions regarding how to manage these emotions, and gives them the ability to discuss the range of emotions that affect them. Do not be afraid to bring the topic of mental health to older teens and children.
Participate in the decision making process
We, as adults believe we have the best interests of our children, which is why children are typically excluded from making decisions. Naturally, it could be better to let the parent decide on the ultimate decision. But, engaging your child in the decision making process can make them feel as if they have a voice and are respected in the home they share. Simple things like asking them if they think it is appropriate to cook macaroni and rice for dinner could demonstrate that they have a voice, and help them feel confident to make use of it.
Seek professional assistance if you need it
Being able to recognize when your child requires assistance is a vital capability to be an adult. There are instances when it is stressful or difficult to control your child’s behaviour or react in a manner that is appropriate to their feelings. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help. It is a huge benefit for both your child and you.
Discovery can assist
When you’re going through the process keep in mind that children undergo changes in their development that impact the regulation of emotions and emotional expression It’s normal to notice a drastic change in how your child responds to every stage. These tools are great methods to support your child’s mental wellbeing. However, if your child suffering from anxiety or depression and you’ve exhausted all the options available to aid them, contact Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program to get solutions. We can help you determine the best way for your child as well as you.