Mental health in children is a way they think, feel and act. It is as important as having a healthy body. Being a parent it is your responsibility to take proper care of your child’s mental health. You can promote it and make it better by creating a good environment at your home. You also need to learn about the early signs of mental health problems and must know where to go to seek immediate help.

Mental problems in children can be easily noticed through different symptoms or behavioral changes in your kid.

• If you find your child being engaged in unsafe behavior or if he/she shares his/her feeling about hurting him or herself or someone else, then it is serious. Your child definitely needs a help.
• If you find your child’s behavior or emotional difficulties last for long (more than a few weeks) and these changes are causing problems at school, at home, or with friends, then he needs help.

I am Elizabeth John, Child and Adolescents Counselor, Lifecare Counselling Centre, Kottayam. My suggestions are that in above situation, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if your child needs treatment and which treatments could be most effective. Early treatments are essential to address a child’s current difficulties and it also helps in preventing serious problems in the future. Early symptoms can be easily handled before 10 years of age through therapies or medicines. But if parents ignore this issue at early ages, then it gets difficult to control the situation in kids after 10. Moreover, it is 100% confirmed that your kid will be surely treated if this problem is handled well at the right age.

Mental issues sound difficult and it is actually tricky situation as the future and overall personality of your child depends on how did you groom them. There are so many things that you need to do as a parent to make sure your kid’s childhood doesn’t get spoiled.

Help Them Learn How To Build Strong & Caring Relationships

• It is important for children to have trust and strong relationships with family and friends. Make sure you spend quality time together each night around the dinner table.
• Be that important person in their life whom they can turn to when they need help.
• Help them learn how to solve problems.

Help Them Learn How To Feel Good About Themselves

• Shower love & respect and show them acceptance in the family.
• Admire their good acts and applaud them when they do well.
• Recognize their achievements.
• Ask them about their routine, their activities and interests.
• Help them set realistic goals.

Listen To What They Say and Respect Their Feelings

• No need to rebuke when your child feel sad or angry. Tell them it’s OK!
• Encourage them to talk about what and how they feel.
• Keep a flow in communication and discussion by asking questions. Listen to what they have to say.
• Help them find someone whom they can talk to if they don’t feel comfortable talking to you.

Create A Safe & Positive Environment At Home

• Control your child’s media usage, both the content and time they spend on screens. This includes TV, Internet, and gaming devices.
• Be careful about discussing serious family issues.
• Regulate proper time for studies, play, and family activities.
• Be a role model for your child. Share your feelings with them.

Help Them By Solving Their Problems

• Teach them some quick exercises or yoga poses to relax when they feel upset.
• Talk about ideas or possible solutions to improve a situation and how to make it happen.

There are so many ways to help your child achieve good mental health. You can also take help of child counselor if there is something that bothers you about your child.