From the moment children are born, their health becomes one of the highest priorities for parents. From the smallest sneeze to the knee scrapes, parents are always careful not to miss any signs of illness. Parents are always on top of their children’s physical health but how many parents have taken the time to ask themselves if they’re raising mentally healthy children?
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “An estimated 21 percent of children and adolescents in the U.S. meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder..” but “only 20 percent of these children receive treatment.” In between homework, play dates and after school activities, it is sometimes difficult for parents to be able to identify emotional issues. A lot of the time, children’s emotions get overlooked as we tend to pay more attention to how they’re behaving than how they’re feeling. By being aware of our children’s psychological state and keeping in mind the following recommendations by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), kids can grow into an emotionally healthy adult.
- Do your best to provide a safe home and community for your child, as well as nutritious meals, regular health check-ups, immunizations, and exercise.
- Be aware of stages in child development so you don’t expect too much or too little from your child.
- Encourage your child to express his or her feelings; respect those feelings. Let your child know that everyone experiences pain, fear, anger, and anxiety. Try to learn the source of these feelings. Help your child express anger positively, without resorting to violence.
- Promote mutual respect and trust. Keep your voice level down even when you don’t agree. Keep communication channels open.
- Listen to your child. Use words and examples your child can understand. Encourage questions. Express your willingness to talk about any subject.
- Provide comfort and assurance. Be honest. Focus on the positives.
- Look at your own problem-solving and coping skills. Are you setting a good example? Seek help if you are overwhelmed by your child’s feelings or behaviors or if you are unable to control your own frustration or anger.
- Encourage your child’s talents and accept limitations. Set goals based on the child’s abilities and interests, not someone else’s expectations. Celebrate accomplishments.
- Don’t compare your child’s abilities to those of other children; appreciate the uniqueness of your child.
- Spend time regularly with your child.
- Foster your child’s independence and self-worth. Help your child deal with life’s ups and downs. Show confidence in your child’s ability to handle problems and tackle new experiences.
- Discipline constructively, fairly, and consistently. (Discipline is a form of teaching, not physical punishment.) All children and families are different; learn what is effective for your child. Show approval for positive behaviors. Help your child learn from his or her mistakes.
- Love unconditionally. Teach the value of apologies, cooperation, patience, forgiveness, and consideration for others.
- Do not expect to be perfect; parenting is a difficult job.
Talk to your primary care doctor or another health professional about mental health problems. You may also use the following resources for more information.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Mental Health
American Academy of Pediatrics
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
References:
Lancer, D. (2013). How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children. Psych Central. Retrieved on July 21, 2015: Direct Link
7 Tips to Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2015: Direct Link
Photo Credit: Healthjunk.com
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