Mental well-being is important for all humans and is a top priority for our Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness program. Mental well-being is important for students’ academic success, college and career success, and life success. In other words, these skills lay the foundation for individuals to be healthy, fulfilled and productive citizens. Here are seven tips families can use to support a child's mental health:
· Talk to them when there is a crisis: Knowledge is power and explaining the crisis in a way that makes sense to your children is very important. Be sure to talk about all of the people working hard to keep them safe and ways they can help keep themselves safe. Be sure to also explain that the crisis is temporary and things will improve in the future.
· Establish structure and routine: Most people enjoy keeping to a regular schedule, and children are no exception. Try to limit surprises by scheduling the entire day, including school time, family time, breaks, meals and play time. This can help children adapt when there are uncertain times. Most important, stay flexible. Find a structure that works for you and your family.
· Stay active: Physical activity is incredibly important for the mental health of children and adults alike. So make time each day to move around outside and get some fresh air and Vitamin D from the sunshine!.
· Limit screen time: Limited screen time outside of education can free up more time in the day for being with family, exploring the outdoors, or reading a book. Limiting screen time can also reduce the amount of time we look at the news and social media, which can unknowingly be causing stress and anxiety.
· Encourage socialization: Social distancing has been part of our vocabulary for the past two years. But, social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation! It is very important for children and adults to continue talking and sharing in-person time with friends, neighbors and loved ones.
· Foster open communication: The most effective form of communication is listening. In order for children to develop trust in relationships and feel safe coming to you with their fears, concerns, and problems, you need to keep an open mind and be a good listener for them. It is far more difficult to listen than to "teach and preach" - but, your children will appreciate it and so will you!
Share some coping mechanisms: Change is hard, especially for children. Talk with them about how you cope with fear, stress or anxiety. Taking deep breaths, exercising, thinking positive thoughts, playing with pets and journaling are all good ways to cope with a crisis. Whatever works for you might work for them!
