Parents, Here's How To Support Children's Mental Health To Stay Healthy

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JAKARTA - Being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching a milestone in development and emotion, learning healthy social skills, and knowing how to solve problems. Mentally healthy children have good quality of life and can function well at home, at school, and in society.

But being mentally healthy doesn't just happen. Parents and caregivers play an important role in fostering good mental health, seeking support when needed, and guiding children through life. Here are some ways to support children's mental health, reported Very Well Family, Thursday, April 27.

One of the most important ways to support children's mental health is to show unconditional love, said Jenni Torres, MEd, a senior former teacher and vice president of the curriculum and teaching for nonprofit organization Waterford.org. Tell the child continuously that whatever he faces, you love him unconditionally and that you are there for him.

Children need to understand that everyone makes mistakes but, everything can learn from those mistakes. Make sure you frame your child's mistakes as a way of learning instead of communicating failures. Even if you are disappointed with a bad choice, your child should know that the disappointment you feel has nothing to do with your love for your child.

Push, praise, and affirmation are all ways in which parents can not only build child confidence and self-esteem, but more importantly, support children's mental health. Research shows that low self-esteem is associated with anxiety, depression, and academic stress, all of which significantly affect the quality of life of a child. Low self-esteem can even lead to the idea of suicide.

Spending time together as a family not only strengthens family ties. But it also gives parents the time face-to-face that their parents need to learn what they're fighting for, and what little ones dream of. Spending time with their children sending messages that children are important and you care about what happens in their lives. You will also be more likely to recognize problems in your child's life if you spend a lot of time together.

Speaking consistently means you can help your child solve the problem of a difficult situation. You can also serve as a soundboard for them to talk about the emotions they face.

"Open communication allows children to feel free to explore their feelings," Torres said.

"Parents are more likely to pay attention when something goes wrong if they talk to their children consistently."

"One of the basic needs of children is to feel safe," Torres added.

When children feel safe, they develop and learn properly. The chances of mental health challenges are also smaller and when mental health challenges really occur, they are just a biological consequence.

One way to grow a sense of security and trust is to create an environment in your home that is safe for children to discuss feelings and struggles. You can do this by being a good role model.