How to Support Children’s Mental Health
What is mental health?
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social wellness, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Mental health impacts handling stress, relating to others, and making choices. Just like physical health, everyone has mental health that can change over time (CDC, 2024). Taking care of our mental health means finding ways to manage stress, staying connected with others, and seeking help when needed. It’s about feeling good inside and coping with life’s challenges from birth to adulthood.
What impacts children’s mental health?
Children’s mental health can be impacted by a variety of different factors including social relationships and environmental factors.
Social Relationships
Positive and negative interactions with parents and other family members can impact a child’s emotional well-being. The quality and quantity of time that family members dedicate to spending with children play a crucial role in shaping their mental health and emotional well-being. A support system in the community and in schools (friends, teachers, community helpers) can provide children with positive relationships and aid in gaining resources and connections throughout their lives. Positive relationships with teachers and other adults can boost confidence and children’s overall mental health (Harmony United, 2024).
Environmental Factors
Different spaces can impact children’s mental health in both positive and negative ways. Spaces, such as school, can provide stressors through high expectations related to schoolwork and following the school's schedule. Life transitions, such as moving houses and schools, can cause stress from the unknown and adjusting to a new space. Connections with teachers and classmates can help children develop social skills and confidence in themselves (Basu & Banerjee, 2020).
How to support children’s mental health
There are many ways to support children’s mental health including being intentional, and supportive, providing structure, encouraging social connectivity, and modeling positive behavior.
Be intentional and supportive
Paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues of children will allow for a better understanding of how best to support children. This can be done by identifying when they may need someone to talk with (Children’s Health, 2024).
Provide structure
Establish consistent daily routines to provide stability and a sense of security. Make sure to schedule times for meals, homework, play, physical activity, sleep, and relaxation (Children’s Health, 2024).
Encourage social connections
Encourage relationships with siblings, friends, and other social interactions through playdates, team sports, group activities, and other school or community groups. Support them when navigating challenges, such as making friends or dealing with conflicts. (Children’s Health, 2024).
Model positive behavior
Demonstrate healthy emotional expression and coping strategies by being open about your own feelings and behaviors and narrating how you work through a mistake (Children’s Health, 2024).
Children’s mental health is a vital component of their overall well-being and development. By recognizing the signs of mental health challenges and actively supporting your child, you can foster a nurturing environment that encourages emotional resilience and growth. Remember, prioritizing mental health is a lifelong journey. By equipping children with the right tools and support, we can help them thrive both today and in the future.
References
Basu, S. & Banerjee, B. (2020). Impact of environmental factors on mental health of children and adolescents: A systematic review. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190740920311518
CDC. (2024). About mental health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20health%20includes%20our%20emotional,others%2C%20and%20make%20healthy%20choices.&text=Mental%20health%20is%20important%20at,childhood%20and%20adolescence%20through%20adulthood.
Children’s Health. (2024). How to nurture your child’s mental health. Children’s Health. https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/how-to-nuture-your-childs-mental-health
Harmony United. (2024). The impact of family dynamics on children’s mental health. Harmony United Psychiatric Care. https://hupcfl.com/the-impact-of-family-dynamics-on-childrens-mental-health/#:~:text=Children%20may%20experience%20feelings%20of,mental%20health%20outcomes%20for%20children.