奇速英语

家长必知的孩子心理健康培育锦囊

What comes into your mind when you hear “mental health”? Many parents think of depression, anxiety or eating disorders, but the World Health Organization defines it as “a state of well-being” where one: ①Realises his or her abilities; ②Can handle the everyday stresses of life; ③Can work productively; ④Can make contributes to the community. Children with good mental health are confident and optimistic, building friendships and pursuing goals. While challenges naturally bring sadness or anger, resilience — the ability to cope and recover — is key. This skill takes time but can be learned. Here are tips to help your children:

Listen to your child. Ask about what they did at school or what they want to do on the weekend. Listen to their worries and provide reassurance.

Help them stay connected. Create opportunities for your kids to spend time with friends and family. This can mean visits, video calls or fun weekend activities.

Give reassurance. Emotions such as sadness or anger can be confusing for children. Let them know that it’s okay to feel these emotions and teach them how to express them in a healthy way.

Encourage physical activity. Exercise promotes both mental and physical health. Consider healthy family activities such as biking and swimming, and make it a regular part of your schedule. After-school sports are also a great idea.

Establish a routine. This will help your kids develop healthy habits and feel a sense of security.

Spend time together. Take a few minutes out of each day to spend time with your kids. Play, read or cook together — the important thing is to find an activity that both you and your child enjoy.

Help develop their self-esteem. Saying things like “you worked so hard” helps children take pride in their efforts. Give genuine praise and provide your kids with opportunities to practise independence.

Watch out for changes in their behaviour. Mood swings, anxiety or changes in appetite can point to bigger issues. If it doesn’t subside after a few weeks, you may want to consult a counsellor.

Take care of yourself. Parenting can be difficult, so it’s important to take care of your own physical and mental health. This also sets a positive example for your children, so they know how to deal with stressful situations in the future.