Topic 3 Ways parents can foster their children’s mental health

Parents can foster their children’s mental health:

• By initiating conversations about mental health: As soon as children are able to express themselves, parents should start discussing with them the importance of well-being. This will teach the children how to express themselves and talk about their emotions without the fear of being judged or interrupted, and without feeling that their mental health is of limited importance. To achieve this, first parents need to be able to talk about their own mental health, and express their own emotions, so that they can be an example for their children.
• By praising children’s achievements: When a child’s accomplishments are not ignored, they can feel their parents’ value and respect. This can enhance their self-confidence, and, likewise, their self-esteem. Oftentimes, children are punished or criticised for their negative behaviours, and are less likely to be praised for their positive ones. Moderate praising is key to make children feel more confident. Constant praising might lead to negative results, as overlooking mistakes.
• By physically and verbally expressing love and affection towards children: In children’s minds, knowing their parents love them, is not enough. They need to hear and feel parental love often. When parents share their emotions with their children and express their love, children will also mimic this.
• By allowing them to experience distress and failure: Allowing children to make mistakes is beneficial, whereas overprotecting them and preventing failure experience might stop them from growing and maturing. These distressing experiences are necessary for their development. Not being overprotective does not, though, equal letting them do anything they want, since boundaries are necessary for a healthy upbringing.
• By being a role model for them: Examples of bad parents can affect children’s emotional health. Healthy parent-child relationships but have unhealthy and toxic relationships between parents can severely damage children’s mental. Parental figures need to respect and value each other and argue in a civil manner (preferably away from their children). When a child is exposed to extreme toxicity from their parents, it is highly unlikely that they will grow to become mentally healthy individuals.