“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.”
Raising a child can be quite the challenge, wouldn't you agree? Even in the best of circumstances, their behaviour and emotions can fluctuate quickly and often. It's completely normal for children to experience moments of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or even show signs of aggression from time to time. They might occasionally struggle to sit still, pay attention, or effectively communicate with others. In most instances, these are just common developmental phases that children go through. However, in some cases, these behaviours could be indicative of more serious underlying issues in certain children
We might often overlook how the child's mental health is important for their overall well-being.
As parents, we often prioritise the physical health of our children, becoming instantly alarmed by even a minor sneeze or a small rash. These concerns can quickly trigger our anxieties and prompt us to take immediate action. However, do we react with the same level of concern when faced with our child's angry outburst or a moment of isolated behaviour? The answer is likely not.
Many people overlook emotional displays as indicators of poor health. Unlike physical ailments, mental health concerns often go unnoticed. However, good health encompasses not only physical well-being but also mental stability.
Mentally healthy children often have a positive approach toward life and get along well at home, school, and community.
There are a number of factors impacting a child's mental health. Let’s take a look at a few of those quickly:
One of the most crucial contributors is the parenting style. Children's mental health is significantly shaped by how parents interact with them. In many instances, the style of parenting plays a pivotal role in either enhancing or hindering a child's mental well-being. Research has shown that today's parents tend to be very open and friendly with their children. However, I believe that, in many cases, they tend to overindulge their kids, striving to fulfill their every desire. This can have a detrimental impact on children, as it fosters an attitude of "I get what I want." When these youngsters inevitably confront the realities of the outside world, their heightened sensitivity leaves them vulnerable to mental distress.
Another significant factor contributing to mental distress is the academic pressure that children face. In today's highly digitalized and materialistic world, the landscape poses numerous challenges to the mental well-being of young students. Many parents today establish exceedingly high, often unrealistic, expectations for their children, encompassing both academic achievements and extracurricular activities. This constant comparison with their peers adds another layer of stress, significantly impacting their mental health. Inevitably, children internalise this pressure and struggle to find a healthy outlet to release their frustrations, often resorting to aggression as a means of coping.
Another significant factor impacting mental well-being is the compelling need to belong and be a part of a social group. We humans, being inherently social animals, have an innate need to connect with others, and it's one of our fundamental requirements. This desire to fit in is deeply ingrained in children. Kids and young people often go to great lengths to find acceptance among their peers. However, in some cases, once they become part of a group, there's a tendency for some children to exclude others. Those who are left out are typically perceived as different in some way, and they feel a strong pressure to change themselves in order to conform to the group's expectations. Deliberate exclusion, in such cases, can be viewed as a form of bullying.
Apart from the ones stated above, there are numerous other factors that impact the mental well-being of children. These include, extreme temperament, whether it's extreme shyness or aggressiveness, which can significantly influence their emotional state. Low levels of self-esteem and self-confidence can also be detrimental. Poor bonding with parents and other family members can lead to feelings of isolation and insecurity. Family-related challenges like broken family relationships or having divorced parents can be emotionally taxing.
Experiences such as bullying, peer rejection, and discrimination can cause considerable distress. Emotional trauma and stress, coupled with the traumatic experience of physical or sexual abuse, can have long-lasting consequences. Feelings of isolation and separation anxiety can contribute to a sense of loneliness and unease. Socio-economic disadvantages can add an extra layer of stress to a child's life, making it even more crucial to address these factors in promoting their mental well-being.
Social and emotional development in children is closely tied to their relationships with the people who care for them, be it parents, grandparents, or teachers. It's fascinating to observe how children react to different responses from adults. When a child takes a tumble and looks around for an adult's reaction, their response can greatly influence the child's emotions. If the adult rushes over with concern, the child might burst into tears, but if the adult reassures them with a simple, "You're okay!" and continues with their activities, the child usually remains calm. This interaction highlights how children learn to interpret and express their emotions by observing the responses of the adults around them.
For instance, consider Rohit Verma, an 8th-grade student from Kerala, who often grapples with feelings of depression and frustration when things don't go as he hoped. He confesses, "I sometimes have this overwhelming urge to vent my frustration by lashing out at everything in my path. There are moments when I direct my anger towards my parents and even my friends. Later, when I reflect on my actions, I can't help but feel remorse, but in the heat of the moment, I struggle to control myself." Rohit's experience serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of children's emotional development and the need for guidance and support in navigating these challenging emotions.
To put it simply, a child's mental health is influenced by several key factors: their innate temperament, the mental well-being of their parents, the quality of interactions with caregivers, and the emotional environment in both their school and neighbourhood.
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