Support Children's Mental Health, Parents Need To Do These 7 Things

Illustration (Antoni Skhraba/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Good mental health allows children and adolescents to make positive choices, think clearly, and learn new skills that are important during their growth and development.

In addition, it is better if mental health helps build a strong foundation for healthy, happy, and productive life. However, as a parent, what can you do in helping your child and teenager gain a healthy mentality?

Get enough sleep

Teens need eight hours of sleep every night because they are experiencing various changes and physical, emotional, and mental developments that depend on sufficient sleep. Lack of sleep can have a negative impact on moods and increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Help your teens establish daily routines that include school, activities, and regular sleep schedules.

Consumption of healthy food

What is eaten can affect feelings. No need to remove fast food from the children's diet. You can only help introduce a healthy diet by providing fresh fruits and vegetables and asking for help from children in preparing food.

Explore interest

Spending time for yourself is an important part of self-care, even for children and adolescents. Encourage children to explore their interests, from making songs to sewing clothes, learning photography to playing basketball. Fun activities provide opportunities to express themselves creatively, and can relax from everyday stress.

Spending time with family

Teenagers may not always want to spend time hanging out with their parents, but the amount of time spent dealing with family is invaluable. Find yourself every opportunity to get together. Consider family dinner moments, play board games, take a walk with dogs, or arrange a day's vacation.

Sports

Even light exercise can improve the mood of children and adolescents according to research. Although some children are naturally interested in sports as an extracurricular activity, for those who are not, recommend walking or cycling to and from school, or even walking around the environment.

Rest From Technology

Asking children to turn off their cellphones may seem impossible, but teenagers need to occasionally take a break from their online activities and social media accounts. Instead of just asking to turn off their cellphones, consider setting regulations not to accept phone calls such as at the dining table or before bed.

Involved in the community

Invite your teenage children to volunteer at special events (compared with long-term commitments that may not be attractive to your teenage children). If you are ashamed of being alone, you can ask him to invite friends or go out with one family. Or encourage them to be included in a local organization that suits their skills or interests.