How to Positively Impact Your Child’s Mental Health
It’s officially Mental Health Awareness Month! Millions of people around the world face the reality of living with a mental illness. Each year, we want to do our part to fight the stigma, provide support, educate families, and advocate for more awareness. It’s crucial that we pay close attention to the ones around us who may be struggling, even our little kiddos.
According to the CDC, being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, as well as learning healthy social skills and how to cope with problems. Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life, and can function well at home, in school, and in their communities.
If you notice that your child is going through hardships when it comes to learning, behaving, or handling their emotions, here are a couple tips to help positively impact their mental health:
Tip #1: Offer Unconditional Love
There’s no better feeling in the world than knowing you are loved, cared for, and understood. Your child will greatly benefit from a “safe space” within your family that offers love, acceptance, and encouragement. Children need reassurance that you will love them unconditionally, and it will never be based on their accomplishments or mistakes.
If you fuel your children with positivity and affection, it can improve their mental health. It’s also a great opportunity to let your little one tell you how they feel. Let’s nurture self-esteem and self-confidence by allowing them be more comfortable with expressing their emotions openly as we guide them into handling their “big feelings” (especially the negative ones!)
Tip #2: Provide Safe & Secure Surroundings
One of the best ways to ensure your kiddo has positive mental health is to provide them safe and secure surroundings as much as possible. Living in an unpredictable environment can put mental health at risk for both parents and children. In addition to providing a home that fosters positivity and openness, it is important to keep your child safe outside of the home, too.
When you make trips to the grocery store, your child can feel secure sitting directly in front of you in the shopping cart. Instead of walking alongside the cart or running into potential hazards, you can help secure your toddler with our Buggie Huggie Shopping Cart Tray. It provides a double-latch safety system and protective sides to help ensure no falling will occur! You can keep your toddler happy and occupied with our spacious tray that is ideal for snacking, coloring, and more.
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We’re all in this together, Mom. Don’t be afraid to ask for help & lean on your support system for emotional support. Remember that taking care of your mental health is a great way to invest in your kids’ mental health, as well!