As it’s the last few days of October, mental health awareness month comes to an end, but exam season for kids is just about to begin. Sometimes we forget that kids experience anxiety, depression, frustration, feelings of disappointment and so much more. Just because they don’t have adult problems doesn’t mean that they don’t experience intense emotions. As adults, we are just about starting to have conversations about mental health and for many of us, we are the first person or first generation to be accessing things like therapy.
Since kids might not have the tools to deal with their emotions, it is our responsibility as adults – whether it be as parents or simply as the only other adult – to make sure that the kids in our lives are okay. Here is a guide to help you.
1. Model Emotional Resilience
As a parent, the best thing you can do is model emotional resilience. Showing your kids how you handle stress and emotions sets a great example of how they should nurture their emotions.
2. Create an Open Communication Environment
Create a safe space for your kids to share their emotions and experiences. Open communication is the first step for allowing your kids to understand their emotions.
3. Establish Consistent Routines
Create routines that allow your kids space to feel and process their emotions. Children also need a sense of security and routines create a sense of stability, especially in high pressure moments within the family life, such as separation, divorce, moving, changing schools, etc. During exam seasons, children might also feel particularly stressed, so create an environment that is conducive to studying and make sure you check in after they have written an exam.
4. Encourage Healthy Social Connections
Healthy social connections are important for the development of friendships, which can boost self-esteem and emotional well-being.
6. Prioritize Physical Health
Physical and mental health are so intertwined. Prioritizing your child’s physical health can help them develop healthy strategies to handle high-pressure situations.
7. Encourage Self-Expression and Creativity
Creativity and self-expression can help your child understand and process their emotions. Even as adults, we need an outlet for our emotions. Seemingly, it is easier to express positive emotions, meanwhile negative emotions often remain unexpressed, which can cause bigger issues down the line.
If you or your kid needs mental health assistance, contact South African Depression & Anxiety Group.
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