As a parent, you have a unique opportunity to provide your child with a solid mental health foundation. Here are some of the most important ways in which you can do this:

1. Spend time with them

It’s so simple, but the effects on a child in developing a healthy mental health foundation are pro- found. Spending time with your children is also how you build a rewarding relationship with them that will last you a lifetime, if you’re lucky. Go on walks or play games together, teach them a skill (cooking, building, gardening, baking, learning a new language), read to them, paint with them, wrestle with them, cuddle with them, listen to music, visit family together.

2. Build a healthy routine

Routines give children reassurance. Make sure they have set bedtimes and get up at the same time each day, and stick to a list of things they can expect for the day. Eat dinner together at night (whenever possible), and respect this time as an opportunity to catch up as a family. If you’re always rushed and unprepared for your day, your child won’t know what to expect of theirs, which can cause them anxiety later on. Try to get up earlier in your day, so you can lay the foundation for theirs.

3. Let them experience emotions appropriately

Children need to learn how to deal with the negative emotions that are a normal part of life: anger, disappointment, hurt, sadness and anxiety. You can start by helping them to identify different emo- tions and related experiences. “We went horse riding yesterday. That was a fun experience. Did you feel happy afterwards?” As they get older, give them the opportunity to talk to you about what they’re experiencing. Allow them to come up with their own conclusions from time to time, and offer guidance only when needed.

4. Reinforce their value often

The world isn’t always kind, and your child needs to have self-confidence to survive. Teach them their value from the earliest age, and reinforce it whenever you have the chance.

  • You’re kind
  • You’re important
  • You’re capable of amazing things
  • You’re a good friend
  • You always make my day better

This way, they’ll be less likely to struggle with issues such as depression and anxiety later on.

5. Lead by example

You’re the ultimate example to your children of how to take care of your mental health. Put down your electronics and be with them in the moment. Get enough exercise, eat well, get enough sleep, rest when needed. Develop your own mind, and theirs will benefit by proxy.

6. Don’t allow them to be too busy

Very often, school or extracurricular activities fill up a child’s schedule. If they’re running from one activity to another, their mind won’t get a chance to unwind, which can cause a buildup of unnecessary stress. Decide as a family how much time will be spent on these activities, and commit to just that. At the same time, if your child has committed to horse riding in January, for example, and they get tired of it by March, don’t let them give up on their commitment until the allotted period has passed. This is vital for a child’s sense of completion, and will contribute to a healthy self-image.

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Written by LifeAssist