Sometimes, adults dismiss children’s mental health because they don’t have jobs or financial troubles. However, childhood has plenty of stressors. Homework, bullies, sports, classes, teachers and academic pressures could lead to depression and anxiety when adults don’t acknowledge their concerns.
Adults can help children by encouraging them to practice mental wellness. Meditation, physical activity and positive thinking are skills that they’ll carry into adulthood, preparing them for a happy, well-adjusted life. Sometimes parents will go that extra step and seek professional help, such as a child psychiatrist if they must.
Craft an Emotional Oasis
Children’s lives often feel rushed. They wake up for school at the crack of dawn, attend school for seven hours, go to extracurricular activities, complete their homework, get ready for bed and do it all again the next day. Relaxation never crosses their minds when their parents are rushing them to soccer practice.
Creating a meditation oasis at home gives children a chance to relax, slow their racing thoughts and reflect on their emotions. They don’t have to do anything or impress anybody: they can simply “be.” This relieves stress and offers a new perspective on their worries.
To create a meditation oasis, ask your child to show you their favorite room in the house. They’ll need a quiet, comfortable area free from distractions. Next, find items that make them feel relaxed and add them to the space. This could include books, stuffed animals, plants, crystals or essential oils.
Use blankets, pillows or furniture to create a cozy seating area. Let your child customize the space so that they feel ownership over it, then show them how to meditate. You can use books or videos or simply give them a demonstration. On a basic level, meditation involves closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing, but you can incorporate mantras, music and visualization.
Harness the Magic of Movement
Physical activity strengthens children’s mental and physical health. If your child is naturally athletic, encourage them to play outside and sign up for team sports. They’ll enjoy the challenge and learn about working hard, staying focused and accepting defeat.
Children who dislike gym can still enjoy physical activities. After all, working out doesn’t have to involve sports. They could practice yoga, learn how to dance, take camping trips, go on scavenger hunts or act out fictional stories. Even a short walk around the park will stretch their muscles and give them a break from stress.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset Garden
School tends to promote a fixed mindset where children who struggle are failures. This leads to bullying, self-criticism and low self-esteem. Adults with growth mindsets teach children that anyone can learn to succeed. Struggling doesn’t mean they’re bad students; they just need help to understand the material.
Developing a growth mindset involves praising children for their efforts, empowering them to face challenges and reminding them that failure isn’t the end. This mindset focuses on trying again and breaking problems down into simple steps. Eventually, children see learning as a fun activity, not a chore they must complete to earn straight As.
If your child has a mental illness, a psychiatrist could help them uncover the root of the issue and develop coping skills. Learning about mental wellness empowers them to enjoy life again.