How Can Parents Positively Impact Their Children’s Mental Health?

Children’s Day is annually celebrated across India on the 14th of November.

What you need to know:

• Ways in which parents can contribute to their children’s mental well-being

Children’s well-being can positively impact their lives. Their mental health indicates how they perceive themselves and the rest of the world and helps them develop socially, think clearly, and learn new skills.

Ways in which parents can contribute to their children’s mental well-being

Parents can be their children’s biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Let’s take a look at mindful ways to boost your child’s mental well-being.

• Introduce them to mindfulness, a practice of being present in the now, slowing down your thoughts, and focusing on living in each moment. Mindfulness can help children deal with anxiety, improves their self-esteem, and aids them in making better decisions.
• Give your child positive feedback. Appreciating and acknowledging their small or significant accomplishments can make them feel seen, heard, and understood.
• Engage in different activities with your children, such as reading books, watching a show together, or playing games.
• Provide a nurturing and stable environment in which they can grow up. Ensure they consume good nutrition, get 8-9 hours of adequate sleep, switch off all technological devices at least an hour before bedtime, and follow a structured routine in their daily lives.
• Adolescence is when children or teenagers get moody. However, look out for signs that indicate mental distress. Some signs can be social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and anger, as children often mask stress or depression with aggressive behavior.
• Get moving with your children. Exercising, practising yoga, or dancing together, can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being. Moving around can reduce the stress hormone and release endorphins. It also improves body image and helps tackle anxiety and depression.

• Get your child’s creative juices flowing. Creative art is a great way to let your child’s imagination run free, so they can effectively express themselves. Some creative activities include movement-based expression, visual arts therapy, music engagement, painting, craft making, and gratitude journaling, which reduce mood disturbances and promote psychological well-being. You can also resort to making stress balls, doodling, and deep breathing with your children, as these are healthy coping mechanisms.
• Supporting your child can be as simple as listening to their issues. This is an act of love that can release the feel-good hormone oxytocin. These neurochemicals can bring a deep sense of calm, emotional warmth, and contentment. This also establishes an open line of communication, making you their haven.
• Let nature nurture your children. Step out with them to bask in the outdoors, participate in gardening, or take walks. Outdoors can boost their mood, improve concentration, and lower blood pressure. Ensure your child stays active.
• Take time to connect as a family. From eating at least one meal together to having movie nights, warm and loving interactions can help them connect and make meaningful relationships.

• Get professional help if needed.

Implement the tips mentioned above to become a positive role model for your children and to care for their mental well-being. Stay active in the Activ Living Community to find more details on nutrition and fitness.