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For centuries and centuries, the children's mental health has been overlooked because children “are made of rubber”, “they are just children” and “they will grow up”. However, children are complex human beings, with valid emotions and involved in circumstances as complicated as those that we adults go through. With all the information we currently have about the importance of emotional well-being, the time has come to look back and look at those who need us most.
Teaching children socio-emotional skills and the importance of mental health is as fundamental as mathematical and reading instruction to facilitate their inclusion in both the adult and work worlds. This is because knowledge about mental health management is not only essential for them to have the emotional well-being they require to be able to successfully complete their academic training, but it also provides them with self-care tools that will help them generate autonomy.
As parents, uncles, grandmothers, teachers or caregivers of an infant, it is crucial that we pay attention to the behaviors of the children around us to notice changes and help them develop these fundamental tools for their integral development. Despite the enormous resilience of children, they are not exempt from mental disorders. According to experts, among the most common conditions affecting children are childhood depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders.
Children are barely developing the ability to recognize their own emotions, the factors that affect them, and the ability to ask for help in this regard. Therefore, it is imperative that we keep an eye out for any alteration in their personalities and routines. However, we know that it is impossible to keep constantly brushing out the symptoms of each of the disorders that they may suffer from. So, to make it easier for you, here are some of the most important warning signs:
If you notice any of these signs in a child, you can try to talk to them to understand what they are feeling and what is the situation that is causing these symptoms. You can also contact a specialist in child psychotherapy to treat conditions that could escalate. There are also some things you can do to help him generate emotional self-care tools. Here are a few:
Body Self-Care:
Teaching them to take care of the body they inhabit by our example and inviting them to do the same is essential for them to acquire healthy habits and strengthen their self-esteem. Bathing, brushing your teeth, exercising, eating healthily and even drinking water can be fun and pleasant activities if framed in this way.
Self-care for the mind:
Meditation, breathing exercises and affirmations are not exclusive activities for adults. Teaching our children to use these tools regularly or when they feel overwhelmed will open up a world of possibilities and help them develop their self-regulation. For example, doing your daily Mindsurf meditation with your child is a great way to strengthen the bond while teaching him to free himself from invasive thoughts.
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