Being a child in today’s world is in some respects far more challenging than years before. Many children find themselves having to navigate an ever-increasing and demanding education system. This combined with 24/7 news cycles and keeping up with social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety and unhappiness. 

Teachers and school administrators have seen the ramifications of systems that ignore a child’s mental health needs. These systems are being challenged to change so that they can increase the wellbeing of every student.

It can be easy for some people to dismiss the importance of understanding this subject. These individuals might think, “I got through it, so everybody else should be able to.” 

However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders.

Parents, teachers, and other caregivers can seek guidance from trained professionals. These people include child welfare workers, school psychologists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.  

Apart from asking for help, there are some ways to encourage children, keep their spirits high, and encourage good mental health. 

Express their feelings

One of the most important things you can teach your children is to recognize what they are feeling and to express their feelings in words. Help your children grow by teaching the many words for different emotions, and using examples when those feelings arise in themselves and others. 

Feelings are like important road signs, if we understand them and listen to them. They can teach us where to go next and what to look for. Many children shut down when they are upset because they think all feelings except for happy ones are negative and shameful. When you teach your kids the language for many different feelings and invite them to explore and share them, it makes difficult feelings normal and healthy. 

The result is the development of emotional smarts and social skills. They can deal with what they are feeling, and have stronger friendships too. This also helps them have better self-esteem. 

Even anger can be helpful when kids learn how to cope with it. The emotion of anger brings awareness that something is hurtful. When we recognize that we are hurt, our problem-solving skills can improve. 

Listen to them

Pause and listen to your child before offering advice or getting angry. This helps your child trust you and listen more openly to the advice you decide to give. When children are upset, be careful to understand their point of view and validate that they feel that way whether or not you agree. 

Children, along with adults, can better accept a different view of a situation once their emotions have been accepted and understood. Hearing the child’s viewpoint can reduce their defensive reaction. This doesn’t mean there is no consequence for breaking rules, but it means they can express what happened, or what their thought process was, so they can grow. 

Watch for changes 

It’s very normal for kids to go through changes in behavior while progressing through different developmental stages. However, if you notice that your child has become more withdrawn or isolated from their friends, family or routine, it may be a sign that they’re experiencing a situation or feeling that they don’t know how to process on their own. 

Check in with your child and let them know you’re there and ready to support them however they need.

Encourage creativity 

If your child has learned that feelings should be avoided, creativity can open them to emotions. Research suggests that creativity enables all-round development for children. 

All children need help to learn about their emotions and relationships. It is our job as adults to teach them these skills. Every child is different so we need to figure out what reaches each child individually. Look to what they truly enjoy to help them express themselves. 

Play, games, sports, art, writing, dance, horticulture, photography, music, and acting or role playing situations are great ways of helping kids learn to cope with difficult feelings and relationships. Creativity is a natural human way to learn and express ourselves. 

Positive reinforcement 

For a child, one of the most important things you can provide is an environment where they know they are loved and important. They know they are supported no matter what they do, and this increases their feelings of security and safety in the home.

Kids love to receive positive feedback and learn that they’ve done something well. Knowing they’ve done something well increases feelings of pride and confidence, which can stick with a child long term. In addition, providing positive reinforcement for behaviors will often encourage children to repeat that behavior.