 | Jody Patterson is the director of COMCARE’s Children’s Services. Jody has been involved with children’s mental health programs and services for more than 18 years. She is dedicated to helping children live healthy and productive lives in the community. If you would like to speak confidentially to a professional about your child, call COMCARE Children’s Program at 316-660-7540. COMCARE of Sedgwick County is the licensed Community Mental Health Center for residents of Sedgwick County. Help is available. |
Mental Health
2013-02-01 10:06:14
Raising emotionally healthy children
Q-As working parents of two young school-age children, it’s a continuous juggling act to spend even a little bit of time each evening as a family. I want to make sure that our children grow up emotionally healthy in today's environment. What can I do to assure that I am raising emotionally healthy children?
A-Raising children presents dozens of challenges every day; whether it’s getting them to eat healthfully, do their homework, or make safe choices. But a good parent must also focus on a child's emotional health. And while dealing with emotions may seem more taxing than the day-to-day challenges of parenting, emotionally healthy children will be more successful at school, work and life in general. Below are a few tips that might help you get through these important years with young children.
• Do your best to provide a safe home and community for your child, as well as nutritious meals, regular health check-ups, immunizations and exercise.
• Encourage your child to express his or her feelings; respect those feelings. Let your child know that everyone experiences pain, fear, anger and anxiety. Try to learn the source of these feelings.
• Help your child express anger positively, without resorting to violence. “Use your words.”
• Promote mutual respect and trust. Keep your voice level down even when you don't agree. Keep communication channels open.
• Listen to your child. Use words and examples your child can understand. Encourage questions. Express your willingness to talk about any subject.
• Provide comfort and assurance. Be honest and focus on the positives.
• Look at your own problem-solving and coping skills. Are you setting a good example? Seek help if you are overwhelmed by your child's feelings or behaviors, or if you are unable to control your own frustration or anger.
• Set goals based on the child's abilities and interests, not someone else's expectations.
• Celebrate accomplishments.
• Don't compare your child's abilities to those of other children; appreciate the uniqueness of your child.
• Spend time regularly with your child.
• Foster your child's independence and self-worth. Help your child deal with life's ups and downs. Show confidence in your child's ability to handle problems and tackle new experiences.
• Discipline constructively, fairly and consistently. Discipline is a form of teaching, not physical punishment. All children and families are different; learn what is effective for your child. Show approval for positive behaviors and help your child learn from his or her mistakes
• Love unconditionally. Teach the value of apologies, cooperation, patience, forgiveness and consideration for others.
Don’t expect to be perfect, parenting is a difficult job. By supporting your child in a positive and encouraging manner, you will arm him or her with a sense of capability that will increase self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of well-being.
