Ways to help support your child's mental health
(WGHP) — This week is Children's Mental Health Week. It's devoted to helping children be mentally fit and free from anxiety and depression. In Mommy Matters, we look at some ways you can support your child's mental health.
Show your child unconditional love. Let them know that no matter what, you love them. You want them to feel secure and know they can depend on family. Let them know you'll love them regardless of what they accomplish or what they may fail at. Always encourage them to try again.
Support your child's self-esteem. Praise their efforts; not their achievements. Again, it's OK to fail. Just try again. Encourage your kids to try new things but do set realistic goals. You can't expect them to become a champion figure skater overnight.
Block time in your child's schedule for play. They need to have some fun. They need playmates and they need playtime with their parents too. Children learn through play, so don't treat it as a frivolous time. Play is an important learning experience as well as a fun time.
Be Firm and consistent with discipline. Don't nag your children, don't threaten, and don't bribe. Be clear and concise about what you expect and what the consequences will be if children don't listen. Then they'll know what to expect from you.
Provide a safe and secure home for your children. Talk to your children about their fears and find out the root cause. And no matter how trivial their fear may seem, don't make fun of it. The monster under the bed is real to a child. Help ease their fear by leaving a night light on. Make them feel secure.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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