Information for Elementary Parents

 

Your child's mental health is just as important as their physical health. Here are ten ways you can help your child protect, improve, and maintain their mental health.

 

 Love your child unconditionally. 

• In order for your child to feel secure and accepted, they need to know that your love doesn't depend on good behavior or accomplishments. Regularly tell your child that your love them. This is especially important when things are hard and your child is not at their best. 

Nurture your child’s confidence.

• Encourage your child to try new activities and master new skills. Give them opportunities to show you how capable they are, and help them learn from the mistakes they make.

Limit time on electronics.

• While some TV shows and video games can be beneficial, children need physical activity and play in order for their brains to make crucial, healthy connections.

Teach calming techniques.

• It’s helpful for children to know how to calm themselves when they are upset calming techniques, watch this short video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/762404469?h=17f9116c3e

Let them play.

• In addition to being fun, play can be a great stress reliever. Play is also important because it teaches your child self-control, creativity, and problem-solving skills—all of which will help them protect and maintain their mental health as they grow.

Don’t minimize emotions.

• What may seem like a small problem to you can be a very big deal to your child. Encourage your child to label their emotions, let them know you understand how they’re feeling, and then work together to come up with solutions.

Talk to your child.

• Make time each day to sit and talk to your child. Ask open-ended questions, and listen without interruption. Developing these connections will make your child more comfortable coming to you with problems, now and in the years to come.

Make home a safe place.

• Your home should be a place where your child feels loved, safe, and secure. Home should also be a place where your child knows that consequences for mistakes or misbehavior will be appropriate, consistent, and fair.

Create routines.

• Routines can provide security and stability for children. What might seem like a simple routine to you may be a source of comfort to your child.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Even when you do everything right, your child’s mental health can still be an issue. In these instances, reach out for help. Talk to your child’s pediatrician for advice and referrals.