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What Every Child Needs for Good Mental Health
When it comes to the physical needs of our children, we’re right on top of it, aren’t we – healthy food, proper clothing, regular bedtimes, and all the rest. However, things are not always as straightforward when it comes to a kid’s mental and emotional needs, which are equally significant. It’s important for parents to take care of their kids’ mental health, so they develop into balanced, positive individuals with self-confidence, self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life.
At thedatingmaven, your favorite children’s clothing online store, we place immense value on the holistic mental and physical development of children as they grow up. So, we are pleased to bring you our top suggestions on what every child needs for good mental health.
WHY IS MENTAL HEALTH IMPORTANT?
We all know that mental health is important, but why is it important for kids?
This is because kids are still growing, and mental health can have a huge effect on how their brains develop. This in turn affects how they learn, play, make friends and many other aspects in life.
Mental health can be compromised if not properly looked after. It has a great impact on a child’s self-esteem and emotions. Good mental health allows our little ones to rationalize well, develop socially and pick up new skills more easily.
Check out the basic information all parents should know about children’s mental health at:
https://thedatingmaven.com/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people
FACTORS AFFECTING KIDS’ MENTAL HEALTH
Kids are more vulnerable than adults when it comes to mental health issues, because they lack the life experience and coping skills that adults have.
Factors affecting mental health for children include family problems, bullying, traumatic events during childhood, parental separation or divorce, bereavement, social isolation, poor academic performance, or chronic illness. Additionally, the global Covid crisis has added to the stress and uncertainty of kids and adults alike.
This informative video can help you identify pandemic-related anxiety within your child:
TIPS TO ENSURE GOOD MENTAL HEALTH FOR KIDS
Regular Playtime
Play is one of the most important ways to boost your child’s mental health. Indoor and outdoor play both have a beneficial effect on your toddler.
Motivate your kid to spend some hours outdoors daily, indulging in a sport or playing with friends. Encourage them to try plenty of different physical activities to enhance fitness, adrenaline and energy levels. Staying outdoors also increases Vitamin D, a vital nutrient in your child’s growth.
Indoor games like puzzles and board games activate brain cell growth and mental acuity. These outdoor and indoor activities help to boost energy and help in lowering a child’s stress levels. Also, the more they play, the better they sleep. More brownie points for you there!
Here are some excellent kiddie activities that can help improve the mental wellbeing of your toddler:
https://thedatingmaven.com/blogs/giggly-guides/wellbeing-activities-for-kids
Regular Vacations Or Getaways
The monotony of daily life – attending school, going to activity classes, doing homework and so on – can get to your little one. Additionally, with our hectic lives, giving adequate time to our children may become difficult, especially if both parents are working.
It’s important to break away from your monotonous routine for your kiddo’s mental well-being, and going for a short trip or nice holiday really helps. It gives the whole family an opportunity to unwind and spend time together, talking, sharing, and doing things you all enjoy. This will ensure that your toddler not only looks forward to exciting times with you, but also comes back to their daily routine refreshed and with new vigor.
Want to know more about the mental health benefits of travel for kids? Read on:
https://thedatingmaven.com/mental-health-benefits-of-travel-for-children/
A Positive Home Environment
For a kid, there’s no place like home. Not surprisingly, a child’s maximum mental growth depends on their home environment.
As parents, we need to ensure a home atmosphere that is lively, positive and a safe haven for our little ones. Showing abundant love, support and appreciation goes a long way in enhancing a child’s mental health.
Make time daily to talk and listen to your kid. Ask questions about their likes and dislikes, daily activities and their feelings. Encourage them to open up whenever they feel sad, hurt or depressed.
Ensure there’s no violence or negativity at home that can make your child feel unsafe. Work on positive ways to resolve problems and manage conflict between you and your partner, or among other family members.
Here’s a highly relevant article that talks in detail about how parents and family environments affect a child’s mental health:
Spending Time With Animals And Nature
What’s better than the purring sound of cats or a warm furry hug from a dog to bust any stress, right? Or a quiet stroll through a lush green park to shake off mental troubles? This is applicable for kids, too!
Adopting a pet is one of the best things you can do for your toddler. Spending time with animals has been proven to lower stress hormones in children and release oxytocin, which stimulates a feeling of happiness and calm. It will help them learn the importance of love and care from a young age and they also have a friend for life.
Spending time in the midst of nature has a similar beneficial effect on your kid’s mental health. Romping in the garden, playing in the park, or going for a nature ramble are all great ways for your little one to recharge their mental batteries with Mother Nature. The greenery calms the mind and activates the brain. It’s one of the best ways to deal with the reality of the world and improve mental resilience.
Check out this useful post to know more about the mental health benefits of getting your child a pet:
https://thedatingmaven.com/entry/pets-child-mental-health-development_l_60086e22c5b6efae62fe00c4
Yoga For Kids
During these unprecedented times, yoga can be an excellent tool to address mental health concerns for our little ones. It is a safe and effective practice that soothes anxiety, calms the mind, and relaxes the body.
Yoga consists of a series of exercises or asanas that are meant to enhance our overall well-being. The asanas include deep breathing, calming, and body awareness that clear the mind. They can help slow down the psychological upheavals that occur in a child’s body, and can slow the heart rate and even lower blood pressure.
Daily practice of yoga will release endorphins in your kid that reduce stress and anxiety and relieve tension. It will help your kiddo cope with stress, while also improving their overall health and well-being. It’s also a great way to perk up their mood!
This excellent video has all the info you need on kids’ yoga for better mental health:
In today’s world, unfortunately, the burden on our children is ever-mounting. From academics to extra-curricular activities, kids are regularly subjected to constant pressure to become the best in every field. This burden of expectation is the primary reason why children suffer from mental issues these days.
As parents, it’s up to us to relieve this pressure as much as we can and ensure that the mental health of our little ones is not compromised. At thedatingmaven, your go-to online store for stylish toddler clothes, we believe that all children need is plenty of love, lots of support and someone who understands them. So, let’s give ample opportunities to our kids to enjoy their childhood and grow up amidst smiles and laughter!
Sending love from Be Kind blogs. Happy reading.
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