As parents, we are more cautious about children’s health and needs. We ensure they get complete nutrition, adequate rest, and play time. But a very few of us hardly pay attention to their mental health. 

We often overlook the importance of their mental health, which is paramount to thinking clearly, learning new skills, developing socially, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem, and improving outlook on life. 

Thus, keeping track and improving their mental health is critical. This guide will help you with this. 

Love, love, and love

As parents, we all love our children. But sometimes we get too hard on them based on their accomplishments. The children need to know that you love them unconditionally, irrespective of their accomplishments. Remember, love, security, and acceptance are among the basic needs of every human being.  

Try to help them learn from their mistakes and defeats gently and soothingly. Their confidence grows, and they become more motivated when they know you are with them. Always praise their first step to learn a new game or subject and applaud them for their small accomplishments. Even if they do wrong, criticise their behaviour, not them. For example: “That is a bad thing” instead of “You are a bad child”.

Be an active member in their activities to help them learn more vigorously and develop self-confidence. This will also help you in creating deeper bonds with them. Always talk to them and assure them of your support, so they are never afraid of sharing any problem with you.

Understand their abilities and accordingly set realistic goals for them. Don’t compare them with other children and avoid sarcastic remarks. Also, be more disciplined in front of children because they learn from their surroundings. 

Play, play, and play

Physical and mental well-being are close allies. If one is not well, the other can also be affected. So, paying attention to their physical well-being can contribute to their mental health as well.  

Play is an important aspect of their physical well-being; it’s fun that not only keeps them physically active but also helps them learn new skills, like teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills. 

Allow them to play with their peers. This helps them identify their strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly, it provides them with a sense of belonging. Also, help your child identify good and bad friends. It’s a good choice to be your child’s close friend by playing with them.

Additionally, avoid using TV or phone as a “babysitter” regularly. Carefully select what shows or channels your child is watching. Encourage them to watch shows that are educational as well as entertaining. 

Help, help, and help

Your child may be undergoing behavioural changes. Keep a track of them. Nervousness, shyness, withdrawal, and aggressive behaviour may be signs of childhood fear. A change in their eating and sleeping patterns may also be a sign of unhealthy fear. So, if you see your child struggling with fear or feeling anxious regularly, pay more attention to them.  

Talk to them and assure your support, so they can tell you about the things that make them anxious. Remember, inculcating self-esteem also requires that we let children explore the world themselves and handle some hardships without our help, so that they get a sense of mastery over the environment. Don’t always be ready to solve their problems for them; instead, act like guides to nudge them in the right direction. 

If you notice abnormal changes in their behaviour, consider consulting a mental health professional. These professionals are trained to counsel and prescribe ways for betterment.