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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
7 everyday parenting habits that improve your child's mental well-being
7 parenting habits that secretly boost your child's mental health every day (Image: iStock) Even though parenting is a unique ritual, which is specific to each family with influences from personal to social to familial learnings, few learnings remain common and can be mimicked by the vast majority of parents to ensure inculcation of healthy habits in their children. According to a 2024 study, Routines and child development: A systematic review (Selman, Journal of Family Theory & Review ), consistent home routines like mealtimes and bedtime rituals are linked to fewer internalising problems (e.g., anxiety, depression), reduced externalising behaviours and even lower ADHD symptoms. Longitudinal evidence shows 'bedtime routines at age 3 predict decreased anxious, depressed, withdrawn and aggressive behaviors at age 5.' A study in Infant Behavior & Development tracked over 2,900 children and found that "children with consistent early bedtime routines were better able to regulate their emotions at age three" and that this improved emotional regulation mediated positive behavioural outcomes in fifth grade. A 1997 study by Gottman, Katz and Hooven, Parental meta-emotion philosophy, found that parents who understand and guide children's emotions ('emotion coaching') help them develop self-regulation, attention, emotional bonds and adaptability. As Gottman asserted, 'There is evidence that parents' interaction with the child has implications for the child's ability to self-regulate, focus attention, share intersubjective meaning and be able to interact with a changing environment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo ' In an interview with TOI, Dr Kushal Agrawal, HOD - Department of Neonatology and Paediatrics at KVR Hospital in Kashipur, suggested seven tips to meaningfully support your child's mental health and emotional growth - Encourage open emotional communication Daily parenting habits that are scientifically proven to boost kids' well-being (Image: iStock) Openly sharing emotions is one of the most effective methods to develop resilience. When children can recognise and name their emotions, they are better able to manage them. Tip: Create a safe, judgment-free space at home where your child can talk about both positive and challenging feelings. Just make sure that you impress upon the child that it is OKAY to share everything. Teach problem-solving skills According to research, children who learn problem-solving skills at a young age we can boost their feeling of autonomy and resilience. Tip: When your youngster encounters a problem, avoid rushing in to solve it. Motivate your kid to at least attempt to solve it on their own. Demonstrating resilience in everyday life Children generally learn through observation, particularly from their parents. Keeping a calm and positive attitude when facing your own struggles can have a significant impact on your child's capacity to cope with stress. Tip: Though it is okay for your kid to share their feelings, you don't need to share your frustrations and insecurities in details as they have to learn resilience from you. Practice mindfulness together Mindfulness has been demonstrated to alleviate anxiety and improve emotional regulation in youngsters. Mindfulness enables children to focus on the present moment, which allows them to better manage overwhelming emotions and feelings. Tip: Try easy mindfulness exercises as a family. Share everyday moments of thankfulness or practice deep breathing together. Establish strong social connections Parenting reset: Daily habits that transform your child's mental well-being (Image: iStock) Supportive relationships with family, friends and trusted adults are essential for over all development. Tip: Arrange playdates, join community groups, or enrol your child in team sports or clubs. These activities create opportunities for kids to learn how to work in groups. Encourage positive self-talk Children gain immensely from learning how to replace negative thoughts with positive self-affirmation. According to studies, youngsters who use positive self-talk feel more confident and are less likely to experience self-doubt. Tip: Encourage them to repeat positive affirmations in front of mirror everyday at set time, say while brushing Promote physical health for emotional strength Regular physical activity has been related to a better mood, less stress, and increased resilience. Physical activity gives a productive outlet for energy, promotes general health, and improves mental well-being. Tip: Plan family activities like walking, biking, or playing sports. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities they enjoy, which can become a positive coping mechanism for managing stress. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
Irish Independent
14-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
More recognition and support required for individuals and families experiencing pregnancy loss
The cross-party group has been initiated by Sinn Féin Senator Nicole Ryan who held an Oireachtas briefing on pregnancy loss. Sinn Féin Senator Ryan wants to drive Oireachtas reform regarding policy change and service improvement for people who experience pregnancy loss. The Cork politician hosted a powerful and informative Oireachtas briefing titled: 'Policy change and service improvement for people who experience pregnancy loss: An ambition for the 34th Dáil and 27th Seanad.' The session focused on addressing the lack of recognition, support, and rights for individuals and families experiencing pregnancy loss before 23 weeks' gestation. The event featured expert contributions from Professor Keelin O'Donoghue and Dr Marita Hennessy, leading researchers from University College Cork, alongside representatives from the Miscarriage Association of Ireland and Féileacáin. During the briefing, key recommendations were shared to guide legislative and policy reform in the area of early pregnancy loss. These included an acknowledgement and certification of pregnancy loss under 23 weeks through a national registration system and statutory paid leave for workers who experience pregnancy loss, grounded in findings from the PLACES Project. Another recommendation was the implementation of a new national model of miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage care, informed by the RE:CURRENT Project Speaking at the session Professor O'Donoghue underlined the urgency of political action. 'There is no one thing we can do to foster an equitable, impactful system of care. It requires several action. We know what these are. We have the evidence and they are all within our powers to do.' In response to this call for collaboration, Senator Ryan has formally launched a Cross-Party Oireachtas Group on Pregnancy and Infant Loss, which will serve as a forum to drive coordinated, compassionate policy development and ensure the voices of those affected are heard at every level. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more This follows Senator Ryan's recent introduction of the Pregnancy Loss (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which proposes a statutory period of paid leave following pregnancy loss under 23 weeks, as well as the establishment of an opt-in national register for bereaved families. As part of her ongoing commitment to breaking the silence and building a compassionate, informed movement, Senator Ryan also announced that a series of public workshops will take place this summer in collaboration with The Bábóg Project. The workshops — titled "The Space Between: Spaces of Stillness" — will run from July to September and will offer space for healing, remembrance, and connection through shared creative expression. Each event will include reflective doll-making in honour of lost pregnancies, with proceeds donated to the Miscarriage Association of Ireland. Subsidised tickets will be available for those who need them. Speaking after the event, Senator Ryan said the grief of pregnancy loss doesn't end in silence. 'This is about more than just policy. It's about recognition, compassion, and justice. Our laws and services must reflect that.' The Cross-Party Oireachtas Group will begin meeting in the coming weeks, with a view to progressing shared policy goals ahead of Budget 2026.
