A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

A Parents Guide to Supporting Your Childs Mental Health

As we know, mental health took a negative turn in 2020 for everyone and children were no exception. In addition to the usual challenges of growing up, many families are struggling with the loss of loved ones and the consequences that the pandemic brought upon us. This included changes to the work environment for parents – now working from home or even, loss of their position and income. For our little ones, we saw the closure of schools – sounds great to any child initially, but loss of routine and peer engagement hit harder than any of us could have imagined.

Mental health is an essential part of your child’s overall wellbeing that’s just as important as their physical condition. Their early development creates the foundation for later success. Now more than ever, its important that we nurture and give attention to their mental health needs.

As a parent or carer, there are many steps you can take to help protect your child’s mental health. Try these suggestions for supporting your child through difficult times and reducing their risk for anxiety and depression.

Managing Stress

Even small children can be overwhelmed by stress. The signs may include mood swings, trouble at school, or physical symptoms like upset stomachs and headaches.

Use these strategies to help your child learn to reduce and cope with stress:

Slow down. It’s easy to find yourself rushing around when you’re busy at home and work. Make a deliberate effort to spend more time with your kids. Scratch some nonessential tasks off your to-do list.
Teach coping strategies. Be a role model by acting patient and cheerful under pressure. Rehearse dealing with frustrating situations. Make a game out of breathing exercises and naming feelings.
Be consistent. Structure helps kids to feel safer and more secure. Establish daily routines, like regular mealtimes and bedtimes. Explain house rules and follow through with enforcing them. You can still be flexible when an exception is justified.
Stay active. Moving around is a great way to lift your spirits and release tension. For a bigger boost, exercise and play sports outdoors where you can enjoy fresh air and green spaces.
Make art. Creative projects are another way to deal with intense emotions. Stock up on craft supplies online or at a local hobby shop. Draw portraits of each other or assemble a collage.
Share a joke. Laughter relaxes your body and releases hormones that make you feel happier. Watch funny movies and read comic books. Play charades and train your dog to do silly tricks.
Practice self-care. Staying strong and resilient yourself can make your home life more peaceful for your children. Invest in yourself by eating a healthy diet, working out, and getting adequate sleep.

Staying Connected

Many parents and experts are concerned about the long-term effects of physical distancing and school closures. Children may need help with socialising as communities reopen and travel is reinstated. Coming back to a ‘normal’ sense of living might be harder on our children than we think as they have missed opportune moments with peers and family to learn social cues, becoming more reliant on technology than ever before.

Use these daily techniques to help your child stay connected:

Start conversations. Healthy relationships depend on constructive communication. Ask your children what they’re doing and how they’re feeling. Listen when they talk. Spend one-on-one time with each child and let them know that you’re available for them.
Turn off devices. Technology makes our lives easier, but it’s essential to set reasonable boundaries. Otherwise, it can become a source of stress by crowding out other activities. Designate certain times each day to disengage from phones, computers, and televisions.
Eat together. Make a commitment to dine as a family for at least one meal each day whenever possible. The menu can be simple if you’re short on time. Focus on creating a pleasant atmosphere and friendly discussion.
Reach out. The pandemic has been a small slice of your life, but it’s the only experience small children have known. Prepare them for new social situations. Start out small and respect their comfort levels.

If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, you can find resources including therapists and treatment online. Look at what is available to you in your local area. Early intervention can enable your child to get the help they need.

Following these strategies can help your child to thrive now and throughout their lives.