If you’re like most modern parents, you consider the health of your children to be one of your utmost priorities. However, the mental health of children often seems like an afterthought or is completely overlooked altogether. Here’s what you need to know about making mental health a priority in the home.
Understand Your Role
As a parent, you play an essential role in your child’s mental health — even though it may not seem as if you have any effect on their well-being at all. Recognizing that your approach to mental health has the power to shape your children’s lifelong attitudes and coping skills is the first step in creating a home environment where children thrive.
Create a Supportive Environment
Communication forms the foundation of the type of supportive home environment designed to promote good mental health among children. Encouraging your child to express their feelings, talk about their day, or even simply make everyday small talk keeps those lines of communication open. Remember — you don’t have to have all the answers. Most of the time, simply being a patient listener is enough.
Model Healthy Behaviors
Many parents don’t realize the powerful effects their own behavior has on their children, especially since older children tend to express a desire to be as little like their parents as possible. However, children tend to emulate their parents’ habits and behaviors. Be sure to show your child that it’s okay to take a break when things get stressful, to admit when they’re struggling, and to seek help when needed. Practicing self-care and healthy coping mechanisms teaches children to do the same.
Educate Yourself and Your Family
Learning about mental health, such as the various signs of distress, the importance of mental and emotional wellness, and the available resources within your community demystifies mental health and empowers parents to make good, informed decisions.
Discuss Mental Health Openly
Making mental health a regular topic of conversation in your home provides parents with the opportunity for many teachable moments. Discuss how various factors like stress, sleep, and diet can impact mental well-being. Never disparage others who may be experiencing difficulties with their mental health — it will make your child less likely to come to you when faced with emotional or mental health challenges.
Recognize Warning Signs
Educate yourself about the warning signs of mental health issues so that you can promote timely support. Changes in behavior, drops in grades, mood swings, withdrawal, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns can all be indicators.
Establish Healthy Routines
Consistency is key in nurturing mental wellness — a structured environment can provide a sense of security and stability. Establish routines that promote a healthy lifestyle, including regular sleep patterns, nutritious eating, and physical activity. Limiting screen time reduces the risk of your child developing attention and focus issues and encourages the development of real-time connections.
Build Resilience and Coping Skills
Teaching your child how to cope with challenges and build resilience involves helping them develop problem-solving skills, encouraging a growth mindset, and teaching them how to manage stress. Help your child learn to face challenges instead of avoiding them. Developing problem-solving skills helps build self-confidence and promotes emotional resilience.
Know When to Seek Help
Parents need to be aware of when their child’s issues go beyond garden variety childhood challenges. If your child’s behavior is disrupting their daily life to a significant extent or they pose a danger to themselves and others, parents need to reach out to available mental health resources. Keep in mind that asking for professional help is a sign of strength and not an indication of failure.
