It’s National Psychology Week and this year, the focus is on the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents in Australia.
While some people may question what our young people have to feel worried about, it’s a sad fact that one in seven Aussie kids are struggling with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety or ADHD.
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Clearly, this is not something that can be swept under the carpet. And in order to help build resilient, mentally healthy kids who are equipped to tackle life’s challenges, we’ve put together a list of healthy habits to instil in our children that promote good mental health.
Healthy habits to kickstart your child’s good mental health
Exercise & sport: We cannot emphasise this one enough … movement is medicine – and it sets your child up for good physical and mental health for life. Getting the heart rate up through exercising at least 30 minutes a day will lead the brain to release a flood of feelgood chemicals that combat stress and worry. Plus, playing sport is great for social engagement.
Plenty of sleep: Here’s another practice that is essential to mental wellbeing. Sleep deprivation creates low mood and makes it difficult to learn, grow and develop. Children need 10-12 hours of sleep, while teens need a minimum of nine hours. It’s essential to get your children to develop good sleep hygiene habits to ensure they get the best rest possible.
Prioritise talk: Talking about our feelings in a safe space is healthy. And sharing our problems with people we can trust is a great way to reduce anxiety. If your child has a problem, let them know that their concerns are valid and important to you. By talking about the problem together,
you should be able to work together to come up with a practical solution.
Be a good role model: Stress has a tendency to be contagious and if you are living with constant stress and anxiety, you need to prioritise your own mental health so it doesn’t infiltrate your family in a negative way. Get some exercise, spend some time in nature, eat well and get good
sleep to show that these habits are healthy and minimise stress. The bonus is, it will make you easier to live with.
Encourage playfulness: Childhood is a time for play and imagination, but for some children, this is lacking in their lives. When was the last time you built a blanket fort with them, joined in their favourite game, or invented a new one? It’s a great way to elevate the mood.
Help them relax: Whether it’s spending time together in nature, sharing
a hobby together, or practicing mindfulness, there are plenty of activities
you can do as a family that are great for mental health.
Make sure they feel seen, heard and loved: This one speaks for itself.
Everyone needs to feel loved. Humans rely subconsciously on significant others
for security, safety and love in order to thrive and have good mental health. Not only
is it important that they have this at home, but you should encourage them to
develop strong and lasting friendships to set them up for life.
Get them involved in their community: Volunteering is great for the
mind and the soul, which is why it’s important to encourage your child to
connect with their community and lend a hand where possible. This also
enforces social connectedness.
Want to learn more? Then please get in touch!
Are you interested in learning more about raising a secure child? Are you interested in learning a parenting map that is about tuning in to your relationship with your child? Are you interested in learning how to get quality connection with your children while still being able to handle all of your own responsibilities? If so, please consider attending our Circle of Security Parenting 8-week program.
To find out when this program will be run please click here
Our onsite Early Childhood Centre is available. To book in, call us on (08) 9550 0900
For more information please call 9550 0900 or email admin@southcoastal.org.au