Parents, Here's How To Teach Mentally Strong In Children

Illustrations (Monstera / Pexels)

JAKARTA - Humans will definitely face various challenges in every phase of their life. Every challenge that is successfully passed will add to a person's wealth of experience and knowledge. Therefore, a strong mentality is needed in order to be able to continue to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Of course, children also cannot be separated from various challenges, in independence, friendship, academic life, and others. Therefore, children also need to have a strong mentality from an early age. Amy Morin, LCSW., psychotherapist author of 13 Things Strong Kids Do says, “Kids are mentally strong, resilient and have the courage and confidence to reach their full potential.”

Children who have been mentally strong since childhood will have a more optimistic attitude in facing challenges in their adulthood. Thus, the chances of him achieving success are even greater. As a parent, the following things you can do to help grow mentally strong children according to Amy:

Be a role model

Children learn how to respond in different situations by paying attention to their parents,” says Amy. Therefore, be aware of your own mental strength and show how strong you are mentally. It was the best way to encourage them to develop their mental strength.

However, it should be noted that what is meant by having a strong mentality is not holding back negative emotions, but being able to control them and bounce back to find the best solution. You can share your personal goals with your child and show them that you are taking steps to grow stronger.

Teach Managing Fear

When experiencing fear, a person will never get the confidence they need to work on their problem. Tell him how you have a fear of something and your struggles to manage it. Help your child face his fears step by step.

Give Appreciation

Encourage and commend their efforts. This will make them learn that they are capable children who can handle their problems and are able to step outside their comfort zone.

Teach Emotion Regulating Skills

Help them learn to control their emotions so they don't control them. Avoid forbidding them to express their emotions. Also, don't immediately comfort them when they are angry or immediately comfort them when they are sad.

Give them a chance to recognize and deal with their own uncomfortable emotions. “So they don't depend on you to set their mood. Children who understand their feelings and know how to deal with them are better prepared for challenges,” says Amy.

Let Children Make Mistakes

Overprotective parents will often forbid their children to do something because they are worried that their child will be hurt, fail, or make mistakes. Instead, to build mentally strong, children need to learn to make mistakes.

Teach your child that mistakes are part of the learning process so they don't feel ashamed or embarrassed about making mistakes. Let them face the natural consequences of their mistakes. “Talk about how to avoid repeating the same mistake next time,” suggests Amy.