Our children’s mental health is more important than ever – especially with trauma lingering from the COVID lockdowns, time away from school, friends and routine. Mental health has always been an important issue – one that predates the pandemic – and it’s also one that deserves attention from everyone. 

Supporting a child with mental illness can be a challenging experience – it can even have implications for your own health and mental health. 

While receiving professional help is always the best way forward – it’s also important to understand ways to help children navigate mental health problems at home. 

Here are 7 simple ways to support your child with their mental health. 

1. Foster a supportive home environment

Home is where the heart is. And the head. Our mental health is deeply connected with our living situation at home. Unfortunately, many of us are dealing with our own issues that can encroach on our child’s space at home and make them worried, anxious, or even act up as they try to process issues they’re experiencing at home. 

As a parent, it’s important to recognise that and work on building a trusting, supportive, and warm family home. If you feel overwhelmed – it’s good to know where to turn – make sure you build a network of support for your family, so you can get the help you need when things are busy. 

2. Educate yourself as much as you can

Knowing how mental health ‘works’ is a big asset not only for your child, but your entire family and community. Even if it’s taking the time to read this article – you’re already in with a head start. 

But there are many aspects of mental health worth knowing. Educating yourself about how and why certain things impact a persons’ mental health is important as it can help you empathise with your child better.

3. Take care of yourself as a parent 

Caring for a child with mental health issues can be time-consuming. But taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do to support the mental health of your child – and others close to you. 

The more you take care of yourself, the more capacity you’ll have for taking care of others. We’re talking about taking the time to care for your body – showering, going to the gym, yoga, time for activities that you love. If you make your health a priority, your child might also start to mirror your enthusiasm for self-care – that’s called great parenting. 

Don’t underestimate the power of you!

4. Ensure your child has support at school 

Young kids spend more time at school than at home (sometimes) and it’s important that they’re in a safe space. Ensure they have the support they need. If there is a school psychologist, it may be worth reaching out to them and arranging to speak with them in confidence if you’re worried about your children or other children’s behaviour. 

Being open and honest about your concerns with the relevant contact person at your child’s school is always best. 

5. Don’t ignore the collective health of the family 

Even if one family member is doing it rough, this doesn’t mean you devote all energy to their well-being to the detriment of others. Remember that the health of your entire family is at stake when you ignore one or more to take care of another member. Here are some ways to keep everyone happy and healthy:

• Keep up regular meals: breakfast lunch and dinner;
• Bring everyone together for meals;
• Enforce technology-free time;
• Engage everyone in fun activities together;
• Maintain open and honest communication between all family members;
• Check in with everyone in equal amounts.

6. Praise your child’s strengths and abilities

Positive reinforcement works! And children respond well to encouragement from parents or guardians. One of the main ways children can develop a sense of self-worth is through hearing it from those closest to them. So praising your child’s strengths and abilities could well have a positive effect on their mental health and improve their sense of self-worth. 

This doesn’t mean you have to praise everything they do. Save praise for moments when they tried hard and showed their willingness to engage. They will respond positively, especially if they know they did a good job. 

7. Speak to an expert about your child’s mental health

While it may seem daunting, embarrassing, or maybe a hassle to visit a mental health specialist – the consequences of not doing it can often be far greater. The best outcome for your child is always maximised with professional assistance. Of course, it’s important to speak to a professional if your child is suffering from mental health issues. 

Starting with a visit to the doctor can be helpful as sometimes mental health issues originate from other health-related issues. A doctor can also refer you to a qualified child psychologist. 

If you want access to a qualified, compassionate child psychologist make sure to find one in your local area who can help you and your child move forward with confidence.