Samiksha Choithani

Juhi Mishra

Early years of childhood have a great impact in grooming stable and successful adults. Mentally strong children are prepared to tackle complex problems, fight with failures and cope up with challenges as they grow-up. However, mental strength should not be misunderstood, it does not mean the child will never cry or always be an obedient toddler. It means raising an independent child who can deal with self-doubts by identifying the consequences of one’s own decisions. Here is how you can raise mentally strong children: <ul><li>Help them to manage their feelings. Instead of saying “It is okay to get angry, not a big deal” say that “It is normal to lose temper, but hitting your friend is not right”. Feelings are natural; parents should teach children about how to deal with those feelings.</li><li>Teach them to cope up with their emotions. When the child is sad – instead of distracting them through means like giving chocolates, try to help them identify what makes them happy. Children may find happiness in painting/colouring or music or outdoor play.</li><li>Let them solve their own problems or learn from their mistakes, for e.g. if the child has a problem while playing with friends, do not interfere, let them have disagreements. Discuss about the problem and jot down 5 solutions and let the child choose the best. If the child is trying to learn a sport, for e.g. cycling or skating let them fall (in a safe zone) and identify strategies to ride safe next time. Let them forget their books or homework for a day and be responsible for their mistakes, natural consequences of mistakes can be the best teacher.</li><li>Be the change you want to see in the child, say “I feel upset with my bad day at work, but let me figure out how it can be normal and exciting tomorrow”. You might be tired after a hectic day at work but you can say “I know I am tired but let me quickly prepare dinner and play with you rather than sitting idle or checking messages on my phone.”</li></ul> These small practices will go a long way a develop a stable emotional and mental state for your child in the long run.

Early years of childhood have a great impact in grooming stable and successful adults.

Raising a mentally strong child

Palak Vyas

Children experience mental health issues when they feel pressurised, when they feel that they are not being heard, or when they are going through something. Signs that your child might have mental health issues:<ul><li>Mood changes. Look for feelings of sadness or withdrawal that lasts at least two weeks or severe mood swings causing problems in relationships at home or school.</li><li>Intense feelings. Be aware of feelings of overwhelming fear for no reason or when the child is not able to express the reason of his fear.</li><li>Behaviour changes. These include drastic changes in behaviour or personality, as well as dangerous or out-of-control behaviour. Fighting frequently, using weapons and expressing a desire to badly hurt others are warning signs.</li><li>Difficulty concentrating. Look for signs of trouble focusing or sitting still.</li><li>Unexplained weight loss. A sudden loss of appetite, might indicate an eating disorder.</li><li>Physical symptoms. Frequent headaches and stomach aches could also be a sign of underlying mental health issues.</li><li>Physical harm. Sometimes a mental health condition leads to self-injury, also called self-harm. This is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. Children with a mental health condition also might develop suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide.</li></ul> Treatment of mental illness in children: As soon as you see one or more of the mentioned signs, or a combination of few signs, consult a psychologist. The treatment includes:<ul><li>Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or behaviour therapy, is a way to address mental health concerns by talking with a psychologist or other mental healthcare provider. During psychotherapy, a child might learn about his or her condition, moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. A few counselling sessions can help your child cope with the situation.</li><li>Medication. Your child's doctor&nbsp;might recommend that your child take certain medications — such as stimulants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, anti-psychotics or mood stabilisers — to treat his or her mental health condition.</li><li>Some children benefit from a combination of approaches.</li></ul> Helping your mentally ill child:<ul><li>Your child needs your love and support. Talk to the doctor and adapt new ways to handle his/her illness.</li><li>Seek ways to relax and have fun with your child. Praise his or her strengths and abilities.</li><li>Consider seeking family counselling or the help of support groups, too. It's important for you and your loved ones to understand your child's illness and his or her feelings, as well as what all of you can do to help your child.</li><li>To help your child succeed in school, inform your child's teachers and the school counsellor that your child has a mental health condition.</li><li>If you're concerned about your child's mental health, seek advice. Don't avoid getting help for your child out of shame or fear.</li></ul>

It is necessary to pay as much attention to mental health as physical health. Treating mental health problems at the right time is important so that a child has a happy childhood.

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