How To Talk To Your Children About Mental Health
Are you unsure about how to speak with your child about their mental health? Then, you have knocked on the right page. Here, we have covered the ways of talking with your child. This includes reading early reader books, practicing self-care, talking often, and acting early.
Talking with your child about sensitive matters, such as their mental health, may be hard and uncomfortable. This might be due to the stigma associated with the topic or even fear of being blamed. Other medical issues, such as asthma, food allergies, or diabetes, may appear much easier to discuss. There is usually more information accessible about certain disorders, they are straightforward to diagnose, and people rarely believe it is anyone's fault.
Too often, people blame mental health issues on the person experiencing them, claiming they aren't trying hard enough or are doing something wrong. As a result, we may believe that it is our "fault," or even our child's "fault," that they are experiencing mental health difficulties. However, openly discussing this with your children is a terrific approach to help reduce this stigma. Knowing where to begin the conversation may be difficult, so let's look at some useful methods to speak to your children about their mental health.
Find Your Words: How To Talk To Your Child About Mental Health?
Are you prepared to discuss mental health with a kid or adolescent in your life? You may improve a young person's mental health in three ways: Talk often. Read early reader books. Take care. Act quickly.
Talk Often
It might be hard to converse with your child about their feelings. You may need to figure out where to begin or what a 'good moment' to speak is. You can take the help of children's books on mental health. Or you may establish a relaxing environment for starting the talk by taking time to do an activity you both like. Determining the appropriate moment to discuss mental health with your child is critical. We recommend communicating one-on-one, whether on a stroll, in the vehicle, or via video chat. Simply ensure that they are at ease and that you have ample time to engage truly.
Don't force them to talk, but listen and let them know you love them and are there to support them, not to judge. One of the most critical stages in developing trust with a young child is to respect them enough to be yourself. Being completely genuine is vital, especially when talking to teens. They'll rapidly learn to disregard what you say if they believe you're not being honest and genuine. However, if you're genuine, you're conveying respect.
Assure them that this is not their fault. But, if it seems hard to make them talk, Silver Lining books can be of great help.
It's not their fault, so let them know that!
Early Reader Books
Most parents find it difficult to discuss their child's mental condition. They have no idea what to say to their child or how to explain what is happening.
As you consider how to help your child understand, consider the principle used in airplane emergencies: Put on your own oxygen mask before trying to aid others. Early reader books will act like an oxygen mask when wanting your child to know how to cope with mental health issues.
There are Silver Lining books that may assist your kid in learning more about mental illness and how you can discuss it as a family. Below are the best mental health books from which you can choose according to your need.
- Slow Down, Alfie!- ADHD Book For Kids
- Andie & the Worries- Anxiety Book For Kids
- Frankie & Gloob- Childhood Depression Book For Kids
Practice Self-Care
Half of all chronic mental health issues begin before the age of 14. As a result, childhood and adolescence are critical years for developing coping abilities and building strength. Encourage the youngster to practice self-care and find a healthy outlet for their feelings.
Exercise, in particular, provides health advantages that extend beyond physical fitness. In fact, as little as 20 to 25 minutes of moderate movement each day has been demonstrated to help guard against depressive and anxious symptoms. In addition to physical activity, children can attempt the following:
- Making art or keeping a journal
- Speaking with a reliable friend
- Listening to music
- Watching something entertaining on television, especially with family or friends
Taking care also entails modeling good mental health behaviors for the child in your life. And one way in which you can help them learn good mental health behaviors is by making them read children's books on mental health. So, why not start today before the situation gets worse. Continuing reading to know why acting quickly is essential.
Act Quickly
Mental health problems can affect children of all ages. In reality, the median age for the onset of anxiety disorders is six years old; for behavior disorders, it is eleven years old; and for mood disorders like depression, it is thirteen years old. Young problems are curable and may be avoidable with early intervention and assistance from trustworthy people. And the earlier you become acquainted with the signs and symptoms of depression, the more equipped you will be as a listener.
If you find it difficult to relate to a young person's feelings, it is time to bring in Mental Health Resources For Kids, including Silver Lining books.
We must add that these are not a substitute for professional treatment - if you see your child’s condition worsening it’s highly recommended to seek professional help.
We hope you find reading this article helpful. Take care!