While understanding their physical needs of food, clothes and entertainment are easy, it is quite challenging to understand the children’s mental and emotional requirements, as they may not be as obvious, says Pankaj Singh
Relationships are important because they make us humans. A strong one not only transforms you in a better human but also makes you emotionally active. And these emotions directly and positively affect your child’s mental health.
It is important to express and it comes only when you are in a good relationship. While building the bond with your kids, let them know that you love them, no matter what. The sense of belonging matters the most. Praise and encourage your child when s/he does something well or behaves in a way that you like. Mistakes and defeats should be expected and accepted. It is important that on a daily basis you make time to talk and listen to them. Also, encourage them to connect with others in the community and build relationships and bonds beyond the four walls of the house.
While understanding their physical needs of nutritious food, clothes and entertainment are easy, it is quite a challenging job to understand the child’s mental and emotional needs, as they may not be as obvious. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children to develop self-confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life. Here are a few key elements that can help develop good mental health in kids and this calls for parents to play a crucial role.
Praise and price
Allow children to explore and play in a safe area where they don’t get hurt. Praise them for their efforts and at times surprise them with rewards in terms of toys or chocolates. Remember, your attention will help build their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Set realistic goals
Young children need realistic goals that match their ambitions with their abilities. With your help, older children can choose activities that test their abilities and increase their self-confidence.
Be honest
Be one family and share everything. It is not required to portray the perfect parents’ image. Let them know about your mistakes so that that they know the real world and prepare themselves for the future.
Encourage them to play
Playtime is as important to their development as food and good care. It helps children to be creative, learn problem-solving skills and learn self-control. Good, hardy play, which includes running and yelling, is not only fun but helps children to be physically and mentally healthy. Be their playmate. After office hours, join the fun. Playing with kids will not only make them happy but will also help you relax after a tiring day at work.
Winning doesn’t matter
Winning is not as important as being involved and enjoying the activity. One of the most important questions to ask children is “Did you have fun?’’ not “Did you win?” In our goal-oriented society, we often acknowledge only success and winning. This attitude can be discouraging and frustrating to children who are learning and experimenting with new activities. It’s more important for children to participate and enjoy themselves.
Develop discipline
Children need the opportunity to explore and develop new skills and independence. At the same time, they need to learn that certain behaviours are unacceptable and that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions. Inculcate discipline and mannerism in your kids at an early age to make them good humans.
Avoid nagging and threats
When they go wrong, don’t shout, rather make them understand what went wrong and then guide them the right path. Nagging and threats can be dangerous in the long run. Give children the reasons “why” you are disciplining them and what the potential consequences of their actions might be.
(The author is the Managing Director of Jalsa ventures, Cambridge Montessori Pre-School.)