How to Nurture Positive Mental Health for Children

Positive mental health begins at birth.  A child forms their perception of themselves and how they think about others based on the things that are communicated within their environment to and around them. You are able to nurture positive mental health in your children many different ways and here are a few tips to help you.

• Give positive praise.  It does not matter whether it is an infant, toddler, adolescent or a teenager; they all like positive praise.  Children look for and crave positive attention from the adults surrounding them.  Always link any corrective feedback with some type of positive praise.  Show them that you see all of the good things that they are doing.


• Be clear and immediate in giving praise. Linking your praise with the task or activity that they have accomplished means more than just empty praise. 


• Acknowledge improvements that are made even if it is baby steps.  Many times adolescents and teens will only show a slight improvement to see if you acknowledge it or it goes unnoticed.  Many times if it goes unnoticed they will not put any more effort into the improvement.  Acknowledging it lets them know that you are paying attention and are grateful for the effort that they are putting forth. It makes them feel better about themselves even though they may not say that to you.


• Avoid negative statements and questions.  By asking a child "what is wrong with you," causes them to think that something is actually wrong.  Make sure that a child understands that you are not pleased with their actions but you still love them as your child.


• Be a part of your child's team.  Be a part of school meetings, sports, or other activities that your child is involved in. Be present, help to coach or just cheer from the sidelines.  Let your child know that what they are doing is more important to you than anything else.  If you have to work have your spouse video the event and make an effort to watch it as soon as you can. 


• Listen to your child.  Take their fears and concerns seriously and help them to problem solve in the areas that they are having problems in.  Discussing things with your children when they are younger will make it easier for them to come to you when they are older and the problems are bigger.  While you should not be your child's best friend you should be an important resource in teaching them life.


• Set rules and boundaries.  Everyone operates better when they know what is expected from them and children are no different.  Create and enforce rules and boundaries in your household.  Teach your children that actions have consequences.  Creating this expectation in the home will make your child more successful in school and in the community.