It is easy for parents to identify children’s physical needs – a balanced diet, exercise, adequate sleep, safe shelter and warm, clean clothes. Spotting their emotional needs may, however, not be apparent. So, what do children need to grow into mentally healthy and socially balanced adults?
That is a question I have been confronted with several times in recent weeks. It is apt, given that half of all mental health conditions in adults have developed by the age of 14, and 75 per cent by the mid-twenties . In essence, childhood and adolescence holds a crucial key to prevention of a majority of mental health problems. Their environment, experiences and education at this formative period of life has profound cumulative effect on emotional and life outcomes of Littluns.
The foundation of the life long relationship that children form with themselves, the world and others is shaped by the love they receive from home. Knowing that they have unconditional love that is not dependent on accomplishments help children to gain confidence to take on challenges. Those raised with a notion that love is subject to achievements can end up growing with an unhealthy perfectionist streak with a risk for depression.
The nurturing touch and sensory stimulation obtained from hugging children has been found to be essential for normal brain development, physical growth, strengthening their immune system and building resilience. There is no better time to exploit the power of a loving, reassuring touch than when children are struggling with feelings of insecurities associated with poor performance.Positive discipline is another important ingredient to emotional development in childhood.
Positive discipline consists of a caring, calm, commensurate, communicated and consistent approach to teaching acceptable behaviour to children. Discipline is effective when it comes fundamentally from a point of concern for the child’s well-being. A calm style entails responding rather than reacting to bad behaviour. Response is a reflective, contemplated action that considers consequences, in contrast to an impulsive knee-jerk reaction such as screaming at or slapping a misbehaving child.
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