Encouraging good habits to nurture Children’s Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. It’s just not something that can be ignored or left to chance. You have to make it a point to ensure your child’s mental health is as healthy as possible. In this day and age, it’s more essential than ever before for parents to take a proactive role in their child’s life so they can help them avoid the many pitfalls of the future. Whether that means enrolling them in activities such as sports or music lessons, or setting up constructive tasks for them around the house, you need to find ways in which you can improve their mental state now and in their future. However, with so many different kid-friendly programs available, how do you know which are better for your child’s mental health? Here are some helpful tips and suggestions on which programs might be appropriate for your kid:
Get your child in the habit of exercising.
Does your child struggle with focus or attention span? If so, an ideal place to start is getting them in the habit of exercising regularly. Exercising has been shown to improve attention span, focus, and even self-esteem. It’s especially important if your child is diagnosed with an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Exercising can help your child focus better by releasing endorphins in the brain that enhance their mood and help them feel more relaxed and less anxious. Exercising can be as simple as walking the dog around the block or shoveling snow. The key is to get your child active and moving as much as possible.
Help your child develop a strong vocabulary.
If your child is struggling in school or really any aspect of their life, a good place to start is with their vocabulary. Existing research shows that having a larger vocabulary can reduce stress in a child by as much as 50%, which can be extremely helpful for a child who is struggling in school. And when your child has a larger vocabulary, they can have a much easier time expressing themselves, making friends and dealing with peer pressure. People with higher vocabularies are also more likely to earn more money over their lifetimes. If your child is struggling, you can help get them on the right path by having them read for at least 15 minutes a day or you can try online tuition. You can also make vocabulary flashcards or play word association games as family activities.
Help build up your child’s math skills.
Many children are struggling with math and aren’t even aware of it. This could lead to long-term issues if it isn’t addressed soon enough. Your child’s math skills can be developed by having them play math games such as using Legos to build things and then calculating how much of each particular Lego piece they need. You can also have your child help you with basic daily tasks around the house, such as counting the number of apples you need to slice for a pie or the number of steps between your front door and your car. You can also have them help you balance your checkbook or use the calculator for other simple math tasks.
Help your child feel included in the world.
If your child is feeling left out, or if they’re struggling with their sense of self worth, one way to help them feel more included in the world is to enroll them in a service program. You can find local service programs through your city or state government website. You can also use an internet search engine to find national service programs. If your child is old enough, you can even talk to your child’s elementary school principal about starting a club at the school where children can come together to volunteer and help those in need. You can also help your child feel more included in the world by talking to them about their feelings and helping them work through them. You can also help your child identify and set goals for positive change in their life.
Help your child develop their social awareness and empathy.
If your child is struggling with how they treat others, one of the best ways to help them develop their social awareness and empathy is to help them volunteer at a charity for children. You can also help them create a journal where your child writes about the feelings and emotions of others, whether that be a pet or a family member. You can also make an effort to learn about different cultures in the world. You can also help your child develop better social skills by setting a regular mealtime where everyone in your family has to ask the person sitting next to them a question. You can also make a point of listening to and empathizing with your child when they are having a problem at school or with friends. If you discover that your child is struggling with social issues, don’t wait to address the problem. Start helping your child develop better social skills today.
Music Lessons
Does your child wish they could play an instrument? If so, music lessons might be the perfect fit. You can find music programs at most community colleges and universities where your child can take lessons on everything from piano to saxophone. You can also find music programs at local music stores or online. If your child has a specific instrument in mind, make sure to ask about lesson rates so you don’t end up spending too much on lessons. You can also talk to your child about how long it typically takes to learn an instrument. Once your child has learned how to play an instrument, they can start to play for the rest of the family, which can be a really positive family activity.
Sports Teams
If your child has shown an interest in sports, you can check to see if there are any sports teams in your area. If so, signing up your child for a sports program could be a great way for them to meet new friends and stay active. You can also enroll your child in sports-related camps during their summer vacation. These camps can make it easier for your child to meet new friends and ease their transition into a new school or sports team. For motivation you can order their favorite shirts and sports trousers online. If your child is struggling with something in their life, don’t wait to address the issue. Whether it’s with their schoolwork or their social life, start helping them develop better mental health skills now so that they’re better prepared for the future.