Caring for our kids' mental health

First of all, we have to realize that caring for our kids’ physical health, is just like our kids’ mental health.

What do we mean by kids’ mental health?

We mean the caring for children’s emotions, feelings, behaviors and the general mental state. This is exactly what we mean by mental health. Of course mental health plays a great and basic role in our children’s life as it makes then learn new things very well, helps them to interact with others in a good healthy way, makes them gain self-esteem and them to develop positive attitude.

How to start caring for my kids’ mental health?

The best place to start with caring for mental health is to consider what you do to take care of your kids’ physical health the compare them to the steps you can do to protect your kids’ mental health.

These are the elements you care provide for your kids to take of their “physical health”:

•    nutritious food
•    safe shelter
•    adequate time for sleep
•    physical activity/exercise
•    healthy home
•    immunizations

These are the elements you care provide for your kids to take of their “mental health”:

•    unconditional love
•    opportunities to play
•    safe & secure surroundings
•    encouragement & support
•    appropriate guidance & discipline
•    opportunities to talk, discuss feelings

your kids’ mental health includes anxiety, depression, learning problems and disorder … etc. But the earlier you discover and recognize their need for treatment, the easier you can deal with the problem.

Here are some indicators that show you that your kid may need a professional assistance:

•    Decline in school performance
•    Increase in worry, anxiety or stress
•    Repeat avoidance of school or other regular activities
•    Hyperactivity, restlessness, fidgeting
•    Persistent nightmares, bed-wetting
•    Intense aggression, disobedience
•    Frequent temper tantrums
•    Lack of emotion, sadness or irritability

We wish you and your kids the best of luck!