Mental Health of Children – All You Need to Know

Posted on: Dec 7, 2022 | | Written by:

Mental Health of Children – All You Need to Know

Published on December 07, 2022. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

Most parents in India are quite diligent about taking care of their child’s physical wellbeing. They provide their little ones with nutritious food, proper clothes, a cosy home and other comforts to keep them healthy and happy. However, physical wellbeing is not the sole determinant of a child’s health and happiness. Their emotional wellbeing plays an equally important role in helping them learn new things, develop socially and do well academically. What’s more, an emotionally healthy child is more likely to grow up as an emotionally healthy adult who is capable, confident and successful in different spheres of life.

As a parent, you must pay attention to the emotional health of your child and look for ways to boost their self-esteem and confidence. Since physical and mental health issues are quite common among people of all ages, keep a family health insurance policy handy at all times. When you have health insurance, you can opt for the best treatment during medical emergencies without burning a hole in your pocket.

Understanding a Child’s Physical and Mental Health

The overall wellbeing of a child depends on their physical and mental health. A child who develops well both physically and emotionally grows up to be a healthy, happy, confident and successful individual.

Fundamentals of a Child’s Good Physical Health

• Nutritious food and regular exercise:
These are two important factors that can help promote a child’s physical growth and well-being. A child who consumes a healthy diet and is active every day is less likely to fall sick.

• Good sleep:
Sleep helps recharge and restore a child’s mind and body, thereby improving their attention, learning, behaviour, memory and overall well-being. Good sleep is also important for the emotional wellbeing of little ones. A child who sleeps well is less likely to throw tantrums or exhibit undesirable behaviour.

• Clean and healthy living environment:
This is important for the physical wellbeing of a child and to keep away infections and other conditions.

• Immunizations or vaccinations:
Timely immunisations are important to keep children free from serious diseases, such as polio, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, mumps, measles andrubella. Also include them in your health insurance policy to plan in case of any emergency.

Fundamentals of a Child’s Good Mental Health

• Family time and unconditional love:
Spending quality time with family and receiving unconditional love from them can help promote a child’s mental health. Parents must love their child irrespective of their accomplishments. Whenever they make mistakes, exercise patience and make them understand gently. Growing up in a healthy and happy environment with unconditional love and affection will boost a child’s mental health and confidence levels. You can be strict or firm at times but have only realistic expectations from your child.

• Supportive and encouraging parents:
Supporting your child and encouraging them to learn new things and develop new skills will help boost their brain function, confidence levels and mental wellbeing. Talk to your child often and participate with them in certain activities. You must also encourage your child to develop new interestsand hobbies and do their best while enjoying the process. In case your child fails a test or loses a game, console them instead of getting angry.

• Encouraging teachers:
Teachers play an important role in developing a child’s mental health. Apart from teaching and reinforcing positive behaviours, they can help boost a child’s confidence levels by praising their work and encouraging them to do better.

• Suitable guidance and discipline:
Positive guidance and discipline are important to teach self-control and responsibility to children. Hence, parents and teachers must encourage appropriate child behaviour, acknowledge the child’s progress, and prevent using physical force and threats.

• Set a good example:
Parents and other family members must set a good example for children. This is one of the best ways to teach them manners and respect. For instance, if you are expecting self-control and self-discipline from your child, you must behave the same in front of them. Try to avoid emotional reactions, practice good stress management, apologise for your mistakes, and avoid tobacco and alcohol in front of them. Children learn many things by observing and listening.

Playtime is Important

Encourage your child to interact with other kids and play different games with them. Here’s how playing with other kids can benefit your child’s emotional health:

• Playtime promotes feeling of joy and excitement, while keeping away sadness, anxiety and irritability.
• It helps kids develop their imagination as well as cognitive and emotional health.
• It helps kids learn important qualities, like sharing, honesty, cooperation, self-control, good behaviour and emotional management.
• Spending time with other kids helps a child develop a sense of belonging.
• Parents must also play different games with their kids. This is a great way to spend time together in a fun setting.

Monitor the Use of TV and Gadgets

Parents should create a TV schedule for kids and set limits on the number of hours they can watch TV in a day. They must also check the use of laptops, mobile phones and other gadgets. Too much of screentime prevents kids from engaging in other activities and playing outside. Excessive use of gadgets can also have a negative impact on a child’s brain and its functioning. It can cause cognitive delays, lack of alertness, hyperactivity, impulsiveness and sleep issues in little ones.

Things Parents Should Avoid Doing

• Do not nag your child about mistakes. Instead, make them understand the potential consequences of their actions.
• Do not threaten or bribe your child.
• If your child behaves badly, criticise the behaviour and not the child.
• Keep a check on your temper when you are with your child. In case you lose your temper, tell them why it happened. If you were wrong, you must apologise.

Signs of Childhood Fears

When it comes to the mental health of a child, parents need to identify their usual fears and mannerisms, such as nervousness, shyness, aggressive behaviour, anxiety and change in eating and sleeping patterns. Some kids also develop a fear of school if they have to go through an unpleasant or stressful event, such as changing schools often, fear of teachers or studies, or a bad incident in school. In case you notice any childhood fears, talk to your child and make them understand things politely. If the child is unable to open up to you, take the help of mental health professional.

Warning Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children

Here are some signs that may indicate mental health issues in children. Parents must watch out for these signs and seek professional help if required.

• Being worried or anxious often
• Temper tantrums every now and then
• Decline in performance at school
• Poor grades despite efforts
• Repeated refusal to go to school
• Avoiding normal activities
• Lack of attention or alertness
• Hyperactive behaviour
• Fidgeting with things often
• Aggressive behaviour
• Disobeying elders often
• Staying depressed, sad and irritated

Conclusion

Good mental health is important for people of all ages, including children. Hence, if you notice a persistent pattern of unusual emotions or behaviour in your child, seek professional help without delay. You can first consult a paediatrician and then get in touch with a mental health professional. Also, include your child in your family health insurance policy at the earliest. Health insurance covers the hospital bills and other associated expenses of the policyholders and makes things easier during stressful times.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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