041parenting columnist Luchae talks about the importance of addressing mental health issues from a young age
In a world brimming with video games, playdates, and homework, it’s easy to forget that our little ones can sometimes carry big emotions. Children may not face the same stressors as adults, and it’s weird to even have the words “mental health” and “children” in the same sentence, but kids are not immune to mental health challenges.
Children’s mental health is important because it lays the foundation for their emotional and psychological development. When children learn to manage their emotions and cope with stress early on, they are more likely to become emotionally resilient adults. Early intervention can also prevent long-term mental health issues.
I’ve learnt that the best way to tap into my children’s emotional world, is to ask meaningful questions while allowing them to lead the conversation. I mean, yeah, it can go left sometimes (4-year old has a habit of bringing “poop” into every convo) but you’ll be amazed at what you can uncover inbetween giggles!
I try to normalise feelings by verbally pointing them out. I also reiterate that there is no “bad” emotion. It’s okay to feel sad or frustrated or angry. The idea is to help them navigate this emotional rollercoaster and to teach them healthy ways to express their feelings.
Setting healthy examples are a great way to influence the way your child reacts or processes an event. Our kids model everything we do. (Like, for real, it’s a bit irksome because why can’t they model the way I wash the dishes). I try to demonstrate good mental health habits by, for example, counting till 10 before responding when I’m angry, or acknowledging when I feel sad. The idea is to teach your kids to stay present and practice mindfulness.
While its okay for children to experience occasional ups and downs, there are a couple of symptoms that I keep a watchful eye out for. This includes:
– Behavioral changes just as frequent temper tantrums, withdrawal from social activities, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
– Emotional distress such as excessive sadness or worry, and worrisome outbursts of anger.
– Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches that may not have a clear medical cause.
– A decline in academic performance or social activities.
If you notice these signs, please do seek professional help to assess and address your child’s mental health.
Children’s mental health awareness doesn’t have to be a heavy topic. By recognizing signs of potential issues, and implementing strategies to promote emotional well-being, we can help our children grow into emotionally resilient and mentally healthy individuals. Remember that fostering mental health awareness in children is an investment in their future happiness and success.
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