From the expert: Understanding your child’s mental health
May 16, 2024
From 2024 resident scholar Dr. Robin Baweja, CEO and founder of Dear Mommy, an exclusive platform that is dedicated to children’s mental health
Children's mental health encompasses their emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how they think, feel and act, ultimately shaping their ability to navigate life's challenges. Just like physical health, mental health is a continuum, ranging from flourishing to struggling. Unfortunately, mental health issues among children are not uncommon, with factors like genetics, environment and life experiences all playing significant roles.
Here are a few common mental health challenges children can face and how to promote mental health at home.
Common challenges
Children encounter various challenges that can impact their mental health.
- Academic pressure: The pressure to excel academically can lead to stress, anxiety and burnout, affecting children's mental well-being and performance in school.
- Social dynamics: Peer pressure, bullying and social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness and low self-esteem.
- Family dynamics: Family conflicts, divorce and unstable home environments can create emotional turmoil for children, impacting their mental health.
- Trauma and adversity: Exposure to trauma, abuse or significant life changes can have profound effects on children's mental well-being, leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression.
Promoting children’s mental health
Fortunately, there are numerous ways that we can promote our children’s mental health.
- Open communication: Encourage open and honest communication with children, creating a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
- Emotional regulation: Teach children healthy ways to manage and express their emotions, such as deep breathing, mindfulness or journaling.
- Healthy lifestyle: Promote a healthy lifestyle encompassing regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep and limited screen time, all of which contribute to overall well-being.
- Positive relationships: Foster positive relationships with family members, friends and supportive adults, as strong social connections are vital for children's emotional resilience.
- Seeking professional help: Recognize the signs of mental health issues and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Early intervention is key to addressing and managing mental health concerns effectively.
Children's mental health is a cornerstone of their overall well-being and development. By prioritizing and supporting their mental health needs, we empower them to thrive and reach their full potential. Through open communication, healthy habits and a nurturing environment, we can cultivate resilient, emotionally intelligent young individuals capable of facing life's challenges with courage and confidence. Let's join hands to create a world where every child's mental health is valued, protected and nurtured.
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Dr. Robin Baweja is a Toronto-based pediatrician and medical and media expert in children’s mental health. She has founded Dear Mommy, an exclusive platform dedicated to children’s mental health. She is also a children’s book author who recently published two books spotlighting anxiety and cultural racism: Shawn’s What Ifs and Dancing All the Way to Brave.
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