Giving kids strategies for dealing with obstacles, disappointments, and feelings encourages them to flourish in the face of complexity in life. To help their children develop resilience, it is important for parents to help their kids become flexible, self-assured people who can face challenges head-on. Parents create the foundation for their children's success and well-being by demonstrating resilience in them, giving them the resources they need to prosper in a world that is always changing.
As we celebrate the children's mental health awareness week - observed from May 7 to May 13, here are some practical tips to keep your child mentally strong and active as suggested by Dr Sanket Goyal, HOD pediatrics, Marengo Asia hospital, Gurugram.
Let your child make mistakes: Encouraging children to make mistakes is essential to their development and growth. Fight the impulse to help them all the time or to protect them from making mistakes. Rather, motivate them to grow as problem solvers and learn from their errors.
Avoid rushing to their rescue: Protecting your child from difficulty is natural, but jumping in to fix their problems or keep them comfortable can make them less resilient. Let them deal with difficulties on their own, helping and giving direction as required.
Help them deal with their fears: Although fear is a normal feeling, if it is not dealt with, it can become overwhelming. Talk frankly about your child's anxieties and reassure them to help them face them. To help them gain confidence, encourage them to venture a little outside of their comfort zone.
Discuss feelings and how to regulate emotions: Children that possess emotional intelligence are better equipped to comprehend and control their emotions. Provide a secure environment for your kids to express their feelings and teach them good coping mechanisms like mindfulness or deep breathing.
Teach them the importance of being accountable: Taking responsibility for their actions fosters a sense of accountability and ownership in children. Encourage honesty and integrity by holding them accountable for their behaviour and decisions.
Encourage them in their interests and hobbies: Encouraging your child's hobbies and interests promotes resilience and self-worth in addition to passion and creativity. Celebrate their accomplishments in sports, the arts, or music, and inspire them to follow their passions.
Actively engage children in problem solving: Engage your child in conversations about addressing problems and making decisions. Urge them to come up with ideas, balance the advantages and disadvantages, and take into account different viewpoints. This develops their capacity for critical thought and gives them the confidence to take on obstacles.
Establish healthy habits and spend time together: Make time for things that are good for your body and mind, such regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep. Make time each day to spend together as a family by engaging in meaningful activities and conversations.
Nutritious and healthy food: Nutrient-rich, well-balanced diets are critical for both mental and physical well-being. Involve your child in meal planning and preparation to encourage them to make good food choices. Stress the value of providing them with healthful meals to nourish both their body and mind.
Establishing mental strength and engagement during childhood establishes the groundwork for enduring emotional stability and accomplishment.
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