Just like us, children feel the strain and the effects of intense emotions such as stress, anxiety and sadness. It is important for your children to be supported through each stage of development in all aspects of their life. There are many ways that you can help your child manage these different emotions that they may experience.
How can I support my child’s mental health?
Take what they say seriously
Listening to what your child has to say, showing interest makes them feel valued. By taking what they say seriously, you can take the correct steps to encourage your child to deal with these emotions in the most constructive way.
Provide positive feedback and encouragement
Children love to be acknowledged for doing something right, it increases confidence, pride and self esteem.
Be a role model to your child
Children look up to their parents more than anyone else, especially in the early years. By showing your child how you cope with difficult situations, your behaviours will begin to rub off on them.
Encourage their interests
By encouraging and showing interest in your child’s life and the things that are important to them, not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them.
Build positive routines and set clear boundaries at home
Uncertainty in your child’s day-to-day life can create anxiety. Having something in place like a weekly games night, or dinner at the same time every night can provide peace and relief. Boundaries are important for your child to know exactly what is expected of them and can relieve stress and frustration between both of you.
Help them through difficult times in their lives
Bereavement, grief, divorce and separation, are just some possible hurdles your child may face during early years. Pay attention to their emotions and behaviour, and try to help them work through their difficulties.
Play together
Playing is one of the main ways your child can express themselves without saying anything at all. It has also been proven that play improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children.
Find the time to talk and listen to what they have to say
Sometimes we can be unsure if our child is unable to communicate with us. If your child is unable to tell you what they have been up to throughout the day while at Cherubs Nurseries, its an ideal opportunity to use the diary sheet from the Blossom system, or handover from practitioners – this will be ideal language learning opportunity for your child too.
Changes in behaviour to look out for…
Sudden changes in emotion and behaviour
Although mood swings and changes in behaviour/emotions can be seen as normal amongst teenagers, it’s not always the case with younger children.
Negative thoughts
Negative thoughts your child could be experiencing could be about themselves, situations or even the people around them. Although intrusive thoughts can be disturbing and uncomfortable, they are also extremely common, and not always something to worry about. However, it is important to monitor.
Low self esteem
Low self-esteem can play a role in causing a lack of confidence, but poor confidence can also contribute to or worsen poor self-esteem. Most children will have dips in self-esteem as they go through different stages/challenges in life, and there are different pressures that may affect them – including bullying, family problems, abuse, starting a new school, or moving house. But with support from parents and other adults they can usually get through this.
Sleeping problems
Sleep problems in childhood and adolescence are common and can take many forms, including nightmares or sleep terrors, sleepwalking and broken sleep patterns. All of which are linked to mental health issues. Sleep deprivation can lead to depression, anxiety, impulsive behaviour, and cognitive performance.
Avoiding school or nursery
Refusal to go to school or nursery could be because your child is experiencing anxiety. Although this is normal and usually short-lived, some children may experience these feelings of distress for a much longer period.
Staying with you all the time
Your child can show clinginess due to separation anxiety or stranger anxiety. A lot of children experience this during their development, and is usually most intense between the ages of 9 and 18 months and usually improves by the time your child reaches 3 years old.
Withdrawing from social situations
When a baby or young child seems withdrawn, much quieter or less responsive than usual, it may be because they are feeling frightened, depressed or anxious.
Self neglect
When your child starts to abandon basic needs such as personal care and hygiene, appropriate clothing and feeding, it might be due to a decline in mental health.
What to do if I am worried about my child’s mental health?
If you are worried about your child’s mental health, there are a number of steps you can take to get your child the help they need.
If you believe your child is in immediate danger and at risk of harming themselves or others, please call 999.
Helpful Resources:
Young Minds
A Mental Health Charity for children, young people and their parents to make sure young people can access the correct services and support for their mental health.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk
NHS
The NHS website for England, the UK’s biggest health website.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-for-young-people/children-young-people-mental-health-services-cypmhs/
Mind ED
An evidence-based elearning resource, providing educational advice and training to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people.
https://www.minded.org.uk
Childline
Childline is a counselling service for children and young people up to their 19th birthday in the United Kingdom provided by the NSPCC. Here you can access information, talk to counsellors and post on message boards.
https://www.childline.org.uk
MIND
Mental Health Charity that makes sure nobody has to face mental health issues alone.
https://www.mind.org.uk
SHOUT
Offers free, 24/7 mental health text support in the UK
TEXT: 85258
https://giveusashout.org
Samaritans
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, often through its telephone helpline.
https://www.samaritans.org
