Tips for Promoting Positive Children’s Mental Health

Every parent wants their child to be healthy, but physical health is often prioritized over children’s mental health–this is a mistake. Since the two are deeply linked, a child cannot truly be physically healthy without being mentally healthy as well. Many parents aren’t sure how to keep their children’s mental health up, though. Psych Central recently provided tips on how to keep your child not just physically fit, but mentally fit, too.

Tips for good children’s mental health

Unconditional Love

Most parents provide this to their children, but whether or not they know you do so is the key. In order to inspire children’s mental health and wellness, it’s important to let them know that your love isn’t affected by how well they do on exams or their accomplishments.

Foster Confidence and Self-Esteem
Confidence and self-esteem are key factors in building a child’s mental health. As a parent, you can encourage children to explore new things, let them know mistakes happen, and create a safe environment for them to cultivate these two qualities.

Support and Discipline
Children’s mental health depends on you supporting their choices and interests, as well as guiding them and disciplining them as needed. If a child goes too far, they need a parent to explain why it was too far and what consequences come with it.

Ask Them What They Like
Surprisingly, many parents don’t do this. A lot of parents instill what they like on their children, which often isn’t what the children are interested in. Ask your child what they’re interested in. If it’s art, offer to help them get involved in an afterschool art class; if it’s soccer, offer to help them join a local team; whatever it is, offering your support and being interested helps them develop a stronger sense of self and know you care.

Be a role model
Having a strong role model is desperately important for children’s mental health. As the parent, your children look to you to show them how to handle stressful situations, how to turn anger into something constructive, and how to deal with everything life throws at you.

Seek Help When It’s Needed
There’s a large stigma against mental health issues–but you can’t let that get in the way of your children’s mental health. If you believe any of your children may be suffering from mental health issues, it’s imperative to seek out a professional for further guidance on how to best help your child.

Asheville Academy can help!

Asheville Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for young girls, ages 10-14, struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral or mental issues.

For more information about how Asheville Academy promotes children’s mental health, call 800-264-8709 today!