Mental Health & Children (Part 2)

Feelings, Behaviour & Physical Health

In the previous blog, we have talked about how a strong relationship with the family and community can bring positive effects on children’s mental health.

The second part of the blog will focus on how feelings, behaviours and children’s physical healths can influence their mental health.

It’s normal for children to have all sorts of feelings – fear, disappointment, sadness, anxiety, anger, joy, hope and so on. When children can cope with big feelings or calm themselves down in difficult or emotional situations, they’re likely to feel good about themselves.

Here are some ways you can help your child learn to manage feelings:

1. Talk about emotions with your child and encourage him/her to recognise and label their emotions.

2. Role Model a positive outlook.

3. Support your child when something is bothering him/her.

4. Help your child manage everyday worries so they don’t become big problems.

Next, how can we promote our child’s mental health and well being through a focus on behaviour?

1. Create rules and be consistent with them. Involve your child in this rule making process to avoid being the dictator.

2. Help your child set a realistic age appropriate goals to avoid setbacks and low self esteem.

3. Help your child in developing problem solving skills. For example, playing open ended toys.

4. Encourage your child to try new things that are age appropriate and learn from mistakes.

Finally, physical health is a big part of mental health. That’s because physical fitness helps your child stay healthy, have more energy, feel confident, manage stress and sleep well.

Here are some ways to help your child stay physically fit and well:

1. Offer healthy food and healthy eating habit.

2. Encourage your child to try different kinds of physical activities.

3. Make sure your child gets the quality sleep.
   

4 in 1: Relationship, Emotion, Body, & Action. Take care.