How to Nurture Positive Mental Health in Children
Positive mental health benefits children throughout their entire development and into adulthood. As a parent or primary caregiver, you are responsible for nurturing positive mental health and cultivating overall physical, mental and emotional well-being in your child. In addition to providing the basic physical necessities, such as food, clothing and shelter, you also need to help your child develop a positive sense of self. This process begins at birth, from the moment you first gaze into your child's eyes, and continues throughout the course of your child's life, say authors Carla Poole, Susan A. Miller and Ellen Booth Church in an article for Scholastic.
Instructions
Ensure a safe, secure home environment where your child can feel free to express his emotions, thoughts and needs. Safe and secure surroundings are crucial for the development of positive mental health, reports Mental Health America. Promote proper physical health. Ensure that your child eats a well-balanced diet and gets enough sleep and exercise. Children who are well-nourished, active, and rested are more equipped to handle stress and the challenges of everyday life. Physical activity also decreases feelings of depression, anxiety and anger, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. Encourage your child to develop his unique strengths and talents. Suggest joining an after-school activity based on his interests. Joining an extracurricular activity can be a beneficial way for your child to develop a healthy sense of self-esteem while developing his social skills and talents. Show your child that you love her unconditionally, suggests Mental Health America. Provide frequent hugs and cuddles, spend quality time together and tell her that you love her on a regular basis. Unconditional love means you do not equate who your child is with what she does. If your child misbehaves, do not criticize her or tell her she is "bad" -- let her know you still love her, even though you don't approve of her actions or behaviors. Listen to your child with your undivided attention. The Child Welfare League of America advises parents to encourage questions and to demonstrate willingness to discuss any subject. Let your child know that you are always available to talk about any problems or concerns he may have. Encourage him to express both positive and negative emotions. Set a positive example. Your child learns through observing your actions, behaviors and attitudes. If you want your child to feel good about herself, show her you feel good about who you are. Avoid self-criticism and the display of negative behaviors as often as possible. Don't put yourself down or gossip about others, especially in front of your child. Express confidence and faith in your child's abilities to handle problems and challenges, advises the Child Welfare League of America. Show your child you're his biggest supporter by providing encouragement and praise, when appropriate.