The Benefits of Letting Kids Take Charge of Their Own Mental Wellbeing

Introduction

Most parents want their kids to be happy and mentally healthy, but sometimes they don't know how to go about promoting wellbeing. It can be helpful to let kids take charge of their own mental wellbeing in order to help them learn how to cope with the stressors of life. Here are some benefits of letting kids take charge of their own mental wellbeing:

When children are allowed to take control of their own mental wellbeing, they learn valuable coping skills. They also become more resilient and adaptable, which are important qualities in today's ever-changing world. Additionally, self-sufficient children tend to have higher self-esteem and a better sense of well-being overall. So next time your child comes to you with a problem, try encourage them to come up with their own solution instead of doing it for them. You might be surprised at how capable they are!

The current state of children's mental health and why it's so important to address

Mental health is an issue that affects children and adolescents across the globe, and it's one of the most pressing matters of our time. The impact of mental health on a child's development can not be overstated; mental illness in childhood has been strongly linked to myriad issues later in life, such as risk of suicide, lower academic achievement, substance abuse and social isolation. With the increasing pressure children face from school, family and friends – compounded by the ever-growing reliance on technology – it is important now more than ever to prioritize the mental well-being of young people. Solutions might range from better awareness and education about common mental illnesses to improvements in access to mental healthcare services. We have an opportunity today to set up a generation of students with the tools that they need for success. It all starts with being committed to making sure our children are mentally healthy.

How letting kids take charge of their own mental wellbeing can help them feel more in control

Allowing children to be in charge of their own mental wellbeing is an important – and often overlooked – part of helping them thrive. Research has found that children who are given the opportunity to make decisions about their own mental wellbeing are more likely to have higher self-esteem, better coping skills and better social connections than those who do not. For example, one study published in the journal of Mental Health and Prevention showed that 73% of participants who had been given autonomy over their mental wellbeing reported higher levels of self-esteem and better coping skills compared to those who were not. Giving kids the opportunity to direct their own decisions on how to reach their goals gives them an important sense of control over their lives. This can help them to feel more confident, capable and empowered as they tackle everyday tasks and build up resilience.

By introducing age-appropriate activities such as problem-solving exercises, goal-setting worksheets or mindfulness exercises, parents are giving the gift of autonomy to their children. And with this newfound sense of control, comes the knowledge that they have the ability to take action, make mistakes and learn from them, try new things without fear of failure, and ultimately grow up with a heightened sense of awareness, understanding and confidence in all they do. You can learn more about it at themindfulparent.org.

Some practical tips for parents on how to support their kids in this journey

Navigating the journey of growing a child is no easy task. As parents, we often feel overwhelmed and uncertain, not knowing exactly how to support our kids. Fortunately, there are some practical tips to keep in mind which can greatly help us in this endeavor. Take time to listen, communicate with empathy, and be consistent and supportive. Cultivating an open environment where children feel comfortable to express themselves without fear or judgement is key for creating a safe space for meaningful conversations during their formative years. Help them develop problem-solving skills so they can gain self-confidence as they grow up and face real-world challenges. Encourage them to pursue their passions and interests, providing them with necessary resources and guidance while helping them manage their expectations realistically. And most importantly, lead by example: show your children that with dedication, perseverance and patience success can be achieved in achieving both big dreams and life goals. These simple tips will be priceless investments for the well-being of our children’s future!

The importance of open communication with kids about their mental health

Communicating openly and honestly with kids about their mental health is essential to help them build resilience now, and later when they’re adults. It’s important to convey that their mental resources are like any other lifestyle or health factor—it needs regular maintenance and care. As a parent or guardian, it's essential to provide a safe environment in which open communication can take place between you and your child. Start by listening carefully to your children’s words, allowing them the space to talk without judgement or fear of criticism. By demonstrating an interest and trying to understand their feelings and thought processes, your child can build trust in the relationship.

Once this happens, further conversations about managing stress and emphasizing mental resources become more authentic instead of perceived as a chore. Creating structure around these conversations can be beneficial too; practice talking through difficult matters on a daily basis, suggesting activities such as journaling or art-making that help express oneself without spoken words. These types of open communication with kids not only make them feel heard but also fosters self-worth so that if ever faced with future challenges, they will know how to appropriately cope with their emotions in order to be healthy mentally, socially, emotionally and physically--now and in adulthood.

Why it's essential to normalize the conversation around mental health in order to destigmatize it

Mental health is an issue that impacts us all, directly or indirectly. Normalizing the conversation around this issue empowers individuals to take charge of their mental health and removes social stigmas associated with seeking support or treatment for mental health issues. When we normalize this conversation in our community, we create a safe space for those affected by mental health issues to receive the attention and care they need. We also create an environment in which those struggling are open to dialogue from trusted sources so that they can better understand their own mental wellbeing.

It is essential to destigmatize the discussion of mental health as it allows people to access much-needed information so that they can learn about resources available to them and make informed decisions about their wellbeing. Additionally, destigmatization can help minimize feelings of guilt and shame associated with talking about matters related to one's mental health. All in all, normalizing conversations around mental health makes it easier for people struggling with these issues to reach out and get help while deepening the sense of understanding within our society towards a crucial topic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, children's mental health is a crucial component of their overall wellbeing that must be addressed. By helping kids take charge of their own mental wellbeing, we can give them the autonomy and confidence to take responsibility for themselves. Parents should stay open-minded and keep communications channels open with their children when it comes to discussing matters related to mental health, as this can be an incredibly powerful tool in fighting stigma. We must attempt to normalize talking openly and honestly about these issues if we want to make substantive changes in our society.

At YFN Academy we understand the importance of supporting healthy minds as well as healthy bodies - you can join us today if you'd like to learn more about how to help your child navigate this journey.

Sources:

Heilman, Madeline. “Letting Kids Take Charge of Their Own Mental Wellbeing.” The Mindful Parent, 28 June 2020, themindfulparent.org/letting-kids-take-charge-mental-wellbeing/.