Healthy Kids • YMCA Child Care
6 ways parents can support children's mental health (Part 2)
29 January 2019 - by Dawn Yan
As parents, we always try to put our children’s health and well-being first but sometimes in the process of ensuring that their physical health is in check, we forget to prioritize their mental health in the same way. While some mental health problems cannot be “prevented” per se, there are some things that parents can do to help support their child’s mental well-being throughout childhood.
In our last blog, we shared 3 tips to help parents reinforce and improve their child’s mental health. However, beyond simply paying attention to the way your kids speak about themselves, being on the lookout for red flags, and establishing trust with your child, there are several other ways that parents can play a more active role in their child’s mental development beginning with the following:
Teach them the “Language of Feelings”
As a parent, one of the most valuable things you can teach your child is how to recognize and express their emotions through words. Begin by talking to them about the different emotions that others experience and give examples. Be sure to also remind them that although some actions that are carried out due to certain emotions (ie: anger, hurt) may be “bad”, the feelings themselves are never bad. When you teach your kids about the “language of feelings”, you enable them to stay emotionally connected with themselves and invite them to explore and share their feelings with others. The key to any healthy relationship is communication.
Break the Cycle
As adults, though we may not like to admit it, we often shut down or ignore our feelings when going through a rough patch. However, because children are like mirrors who reflect everything they see, it’s our job to show them that having a mix of emotions is normal for everyone. While it may be tempting to hide our emotions from our children, it’s important that they witness them. Break the “strong parent” cycle of hiding your feelings from your children and instead, lead by example to show them that there is no shame in struggle. The more open you are in sharing your feelings and talking about them with your child, the more likely they are to do the same.
Seek Professional Help
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, approximately 10-20% of children in Canada develop a mental health disorder. And of that percentage, only an estimated 21% of children actually seek treatment. This means that at least 79% of children with mental health issues aren’t getting the help they need. If you suspect your child may be struggling with their mental health and emotional well-being, please seek professional help for them as soon as possible.
At the Y, our goal is to build the healthiest communities, kids, youth, young adults, and families in the GTA. Taking a holistic approach to community health that embodies all aspects of physical, mental and social well-being, we offer accessible Health & Fitness programs, Youth Programs, and Family Support Programs for all to enjoy. To learn more about our Family Support Programs and how you can get involved, please visit our website.
In our last blog, we shared 3 tips to help parents reinforce and improve their child’s mental health. However, beyond simply paying attention to the way your kids speak about themselves, being on the lookout for red flags, and establishing trust with your child, there are several other ways that parents can play a more active role in their child’s mental development beginning with the following:
Teach them the “Language of Feelings”
As a parent, one of the most valuable things you can teach your child is how to recognize and express their emotions through words. Begin by talking to them about the different emotions that others experience and give examples. Be sure to also remind them that although some actions that are carried out due to certain emotions (ie: anger, hurt) may be “bad”, the feelings themselves are never bad. When you teach your kids about the “language of feelings”, you enable them to stay emotionally connected with themselves and invite them to explore and share their feelings with others. The key to any healthy relationship is communication.
Break the Cycle
As adults, though we may not like to admit it, we often shut down or ignore our feelings when going through a rough patch. However, because children are like mirrors who reflect everything they see, it’s our job to show them that having a mix of emotions is normal for everyone. While it may be tempting to hide our emotions from our children, it’s important that they witness them. Break the “strong parent” cycle of hiding your feelings from your children and instead, lead by example to show them that there is no shame in struggle. The more open you are in sharing your feelings and talking about them with your child, the more likely they are to do the same.
Seek Professional Help
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, approximately 10-20% of children in Canada develop a mental health disorder. And of that percentage, only an estimated 21% of children actually seek treatment. This means that at least 79% of children with mental health issues aren’t getting the help they need. If you suspect your child may be struggling with their mental health and emotional well-being, please seek professional help for them as soon as possible.
At the Y, our goal is to build the healthiest communities, kids, youth, young adults, and families in the GTA. Taking a holistic approach to community health that embodies all aspects of physical, mental and social well-being, we offer accessible Health & Fitness programs, Youth Programs, and Family Support Programs for all to enjoy. To learn more about our Family Support Programs and how you can get involved, please visit our website.
