Dr Durgesh Nandinee, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, GITAM School of Humanities and Social Science speaks to Brainfeed on ways to ensure mental health of a child.
Mental health or well-being is a state in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and is able to make contribution to community. In today’s society, well-being is related to good living conditions (e.g., housing, employment, supportive society). It is an umbrella term and emotions are a significant aspect of well-being. The emotional responses that a child will develop in the future are based on what he or she learns during childhood; management of emotions is fundamental in holistic development. Well-being enables the individual to value interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships.
Ways to Ensure Proper Mental Health of a Child
Observe the child
Children can barely express their thoughts. They might not know what they are really feeling. As guardians and parents what we can do is observe. Children grow in a two-dimensional manner, that is, quantitative and qualitative. Well-being comes under qualitative growth.
Positive Early Childhood Relationships Matter
Children need rewarding and positive relationships. Positive relationships support well-being and the gradual development of self-regulation. Early childhood relationships strongly influence how children develop, and have close, secure attachments with their friends and family and have strong career aspirations. During the time of need, adults need to tune into the child’s signals and respond sensitively and consistently to meet their needs. In this way children can feel safe, relaxed and loved.
Create Routines
Regular pattern of activities that create a routine and help children know what to expect next, fosters a sense of security and self-confidence in them.
Intrapersonal Learning
During childhood, majority part of the learning happens through intrapersonal learning. The main objective of intrapersonal learning is for the child to be able to recognize his or her emotions and show them in an assertive way.
Interpersonal Learning
Interpersonal learning begins with empathy, and the recognition and acceptance of the emotions of others. Experience shows that including this type of teaching at an early age is fundamental for the development of a student between 3 and 5 years, and is the basis for his or her emotional future.
On Parenting
The authoritative parenting style is the ideal one for young children. In this parenting style, the parents are nurturing, responsive, and supportive, yet set firm limits for their children. They attempt to control children’s behaviour by explaining rules, discussing, and reasoning. They listen to the child’s viewpoint but don’t always accept it. This style of parenting also helps the child to build a trusting relationship and at the same time, it helps them to find the right kind of circle.
Ensuring the Right Environment for Students in Schools
Build an Approachable Environment
Schools should work on building an approachable environment where students, teachers and other staff members can easily communicate. It is only when students can trust and feel they will not be judged, can they really share their feelings. An approachable environment makes the student confident where they are able to communicate better, think logically and perform exponentially well.
Bring Equity in Classrooms
Equity in classrooms can bridge the gap between students and facilitators. A student connects with educators through the exchange of knowledge. As every child is unique, facilitators have to understand this and provide guidance and care to each student accordingly. Only by doing so, can we ensure holistic development of each child. Always motivate a child. Do not judge them, rather inspire them to achieve the best!
Be Kind and Polite
Be kind and polite to children. The way we communicate to them really matters. Children perceive themselves and the world around, through the words they hear. We have to make sure that they are kinder on themselves and others. Hence, treat them with kindness and be polite. Never say a harsh word or hurt them.
Tackling Academic Stress
Academic stress is a real issue among students. The problem aggravates when families add to the already existing stress. If the child studies every day, he or she will have less stress before exams. Hence, making a routine for the child to study every day will definitely help them. Also, provide kids with the right reasons to study. Be involved in their studies. A word of caution. If your child does not like to be compared to others, then “DON’T DO IT!”
Ensuring Holistic Development of Children
As a community, we need to be more vigilant about our children and spend quality time with them. For the holistic growth of a child two basic needs should be met. First is basic education,
where students must learn to solve problems using the trial-and-error method and the second is, encouraging children to play. Sport helps improve cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Through sports, children learn about the world and about themselves. They also learn skills they need for studying, working, and building relationships such as confidence, self-esteem, resilience, interaction, social skills, independence, curiosity and many more.
