As a parent, one of your responsibilities is to ensure your child is able to understand and manage their feelings, so that they can maintain good mental health. Of course, it’s normal for children to feel sad, stressed, or angry from time to time, but if these feelings become permanent or your child struggles to cope with them, they can become a real issue. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do at home to support your child’s wellbeing, as explored below by an independent school in Edgbaston.
Keep an Eye on Your Child
Of course, you’re probably keeping a watchful eye on your child already, but there are certain things to look out for that could indicate your child is struggling with their mental health. Here are some, but not all, of the signs:
- Increased arguing/fighting
- Sleep problems
- Sudden behavioural changes
- Low self-esteem and negative statements
- Avoiding school
- Avoiding social activities
Everyone’s different and these signs might not be anything to worry about, but it’s worth paying attention to them and trying to figure out the root cause. This is particularly true if something is happening in your child’s life, like their exam period, moving house or an illness in the family.
Talk to Your Child About their Feelings
Whenever you get some alone time with your child, have a chat with them about how they’re feeling and what they might be going through. Essentially, the idea is to check in with them and make sure everything’s ok. Doing so will encourage them to open up about their feelings and they will become increasingly more comfortable sharing things with you. Just make sure you’re not judgmental towards anything they say, as this will deter them from opening up to you again.
Promote Individuality
Try and help your child understand that it’s ok to be unique and have their own interests and opinions. If everyone on earth was the same, life would be boring. So, allow them to express themselves in whatever way they feel comfortable, as long as it’s safe and age-appropriate. If they feel like they can’t truly be themselves, their mental health may be affected.
If you have any ideas for supporting your child with their mental health both at home and at school, we’d love you to share them below
*Collaborative post