8 Ways to Nurture Your Young Children’s Good Mental Health

Most of the time, you can see what’s wrong with people’s physical body, but with mental health, you might be with them all the time, without knowing they need help within themselves.

Mental health is very important to be taken care of. Some people might not be sick on the outside, but within their minds, they are struggling. Saying that depression, anxieties and other mental health issues are just mere “feelings”, “excuses” and “dramas” is totally wrong. Doing that makes people who have them feel worse and more hesitant and unable to seek help.

Take a look at everyone in your family. You might not be aware because they are neither telling nor showing it, but someone could be facing challenges with regards to their mental health. Bear in mind that the emotional health is highly influenced by it as well.

For parents, supplying the basic needs and material demands of their children is one of their biggest goals. If you are already one, you know how much you desire to give your kids a happy and bountiful life, having everything they need. Beyond the seen needs though, guaranteeing that their mental health is supported and nurtured. Here are some ways you can do that for your young children:

[1] GIVE THEM UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

 

Love makes difficult things bearable; it makes some impossible things possible for those who love. Parents know that my heart.

At the center of every family, love must be found. It is a vital element of understanding, acceptance, belongingness and security. Kids learn first what love is from their parents, from the people the grow up with. Make sure your children get to learn it from you. They must be ascertained that their parents' love for them is sure and secure.

Let your kids know that all their accomplishments, both big and small, are appreciated, and none of their failures will make you love them less. A love with no bounds that children feel and experience gives them peace and security, without needing to fear of being left and forsaken.

[2] BUILD UP THEIR SELF CONFIDENCE

Financial provision is necessary, yet still the most priceless of all keeps is moral support. Your kids can be happy with all the toys and gadgets you buy for them, but what's irreplaceable is the cheers and encouragements they receive from you.

As young kids explore and discover the world, there are many firsts that they encounter. Don't wander too far. There goes the first walk, the first bite, the first play, the first TV show, the first day in school and many more. They achieve many things as young ones since they are still on the stage of basic learning. Do not hamper their possibilities of learning and unraveling new information about the surroundings. Support them.

Parents can help build their kids self confidence by paying attention to them when they achieve something, especially when they worked hard for it. Listen to their stories and curiosities. Kids look up to adults, to their parents, but let them acknowledge that nobody's perfect, so their failures do not define them. Let them grow stronger than the trials and discouragements that they might face in life. Inspire them to do their best always while not forgetting to have fun during the process.

[3] LET THEM PLAY FOR FUN

Kids may study and learn, but playtime is inevitable. It's fine that parents want their kids to already be wise and capable at an early age, but it's wrong to leave out the fun playtime. After all, kids are kids. Childhood is not forever, so let them just enjoy and experience how to be so.

Playtime is also essential because it is a time when children develop creativity. You and they themselves uncover more about their abilities and personalities because of the freedom of playtime. Screaming,  running, playful kids might seem to be just a headache to adults, but the truth is, these actions are part of kids' well-growing mental health.

Furthermore, allowing your children to meet playmates at the neighborhood playground or to bond with their older cousins at home are helpful to practice how they socialize and get along with others. Of course, with your supervision and knowledge of the people they can get influenced by, this is key. As parents, this is advantageous for you to totally know how to guide them as they grow up. Don't forget, parents, play with your kids too. Both parties need that.

[4] BALANCE THEIR USE OF TV AND OTHER GADGETS

Technology and the Internet are so beneficial. Today, they are not anymore just mere wants. They have also become a need -- for communication, learning, schooling, entertainment and more.

Nowadays, many parents use gadgets to bribe kids, like if they finish their food, they can play video games as long as they want, or if they sleep early, they can download whatever game they want. Though the purpose is for the good of the kid (and obviously for the convenience of the parent), this is unhealthy, especially if the young children get used to a setting such as that.

Remember that too much usage of digital gadgets is harmful. Many get sick because of long hours in front of those screens. Set a limit. Let them value balance. Most significantly, be aware of the shows your kids watch and the games they play. Do not let them be exposed to those inappropriate for their age. Ascertain that they are monitored constantly.

[5] SET FAIR RULES

Yes, discipline in the family is a must, but the proper sort of it is THE must.

Children are taught to be independent, so they can learn more of themselves and acquire life skills, even without their parents by their side. Just the same, they should not be spoiled all the time and tolerated in everything they want to do.

What people are outside the house is most likely a reflection of what's inside the home they grew in. Let them live and be well by setting fair rules that provide instructive discipline. Establish in them the discipline that there are particular behaviors which are prohibited. Let them know the consequences that they will face if they violate.

On the other hand, commend and/or reward them when they are obedient. Guide them consistently and fairly. At the same time, make sure you also practice what you preach at home. They will not have hard feelings toward you, not living life, the way you talk of what should be.

Parents must also be careful of the wrong notions of discipline wherein children get severely hurt, injured or sick because of the violence inflicted upon them. If you are the other parent or a guardian witnessing harsh acts towards your own or other children, you can seek legal help from child advocate attorneys, family lawyers, children care institutions, the police and other organizations addressing these issues.

[6] LET THEM BE EDUCATED IN A SUITABLE INSTITUTION

Education is chief. Every child has the right to get educated. Enroll your kids to a school with caring and concerned people, completing a healthy and safe environment for them to learn and progress as humans.

The influence of people surrounding children daily is huge! What they hear, see and feel from them can affect their mental health. See to it that the right people are closer to your kids.

[7] KNOW THAT NAGGING IS STRESSFUL

 

Asking and reminding are different from nagging. The latter is completely forming an atmosphere of toxicity. Don't let your kids be there.

Imagine if your kids cannot or choose not to tell you their problems, and you are there, doing no help, but rather nagging all the time. It's very stressful and disheartening. As parents, create a calming and relaxing atmosphere at home where stress is avoided, not invited.

[8] FOSTER HEALTHY CONVERSATIONS

 

In every word you say, let it be a blessing in your home. Be the advocate of healthy conversations. Communicate with your children, and let them communicate with you.

Talk with your kids, regardless if it's the simplest of things or the 'just anything' stuff, the silliest or the most serious matters. Listen to them. Let them know they are heard and not ignored.

Many people who are experiencing depression are not open to talking about it because of the fear of being judged or misunderstood. It's the same thing for kids. Please, parents, be the ear that's ready to listen and the arm they can lean on.  Listen to their childish stories, and pay attention to their struggles. Help them.

Sometimes, they just need someone to listen, and that's you -- their never-ending best friend among the countless faces they will ever meet.

 >>> SHAPED BY THE FAMILY WITH LOVE

Nurture a good mental health in your children's being. Make the house a sweet home because that's where they learn, move and think first. Mold them to be the best versions of themselves as they grow up. Prepare them to be tough and bold whatever life brings. Even in times of challenges, they can go back to the home that shaped them well.

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Nicole Ann Pore is the writer of this article.