Promoting Mental Health Awareness at JBCN International School

Published on: October 15, 2023

My answer is an emphatic yes to whoever asks this question, “Is mental health awareness important for children?”

The importance of mental health cannot be overstated, as it includes our entire being – emotional, social, and psychological. It affects:

What we sense
How we feel
What and how we think
How we behave

Why Is Mental Health Crucial for Children?

The foundation of every adult is laid in childhood, making it essential to develop sound mental health early. The importance of mental health awareness lies in teaching children that, like physical health, mental health is critical. Prioritizing thoughts and feelings builds resilience and helps them handle mental health problems in the future.

Fostering a growth mindset helps remove the stigma around mental health problems. Here's how:

Encourage children to talk about their feelings.
Teach that it's OKAY to ask for help.
Recognize that feeling nervous or scared is normal.

How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Parents and teachers play a key role in monitoring and supporting children’s mental health. Here’s what you can do:

Be Observant

Watch your child’s body language, verbal and non-verbal communication, writing, and drawing for signs of emotional pain in children.

Start the Conversation

If you notice something amiss, don’t wait for them to approach you. Ask questions like:

“You seem upset today, want to talk about it?”
“Can I do something to help?”

Be Approachable

Make the conversation less intimidating by:

Sitting at eye level with the child.
Maintaining a gentle tone.

The Role of Internal Thoughts

As Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you do better.” Teach children to:

Recognize and accept their thoughts and feelings.
Use mindfulness to understand and direct their internal thoughts.

Offering Empathy and Support

Children's moods and thoughts change often. It's important to:

Offer empathy instead of judgment.
Listen before giving instructions.
Provide unconditional love and praise when they do well.

Replace nagging and yelling with respectful discipline. Accept both your child’s strengths and weaknesses, remembering that the ultimate goal is their happiness.

Empower Children to Be Happy

Happiness is a core component of mental health. While growing up can be tough, especially with societal pressures, empower your children to:

Have faith in themselves.
Believe in their abilities to overcome challenges.

I love what Dr. Seuss has said “So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that LIFE’S A GREAT BALANCING ACT. And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed! (98 and 3/4% guaranteed) KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS.”

Written by: Geeta Dalal HOD, Learner Support Centre
JBCN International School, Borivali

FAQs

How important is mental health for a child?

Mental health is crucial for a child's emotional, social, and psychological development. It lays the foundation for how they handle challenges and succeed in life. Prioritizing mental health early ensures a happier and healthier adulthood.
How do you teach kids about mental health?

Teach kids by having open conversations and comparing mental health to physical health. Encourage them to express feelings and create a safe, non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable asking for help.
What causes poor mental health for children?

Poor mental health can stem from stress, family conflicts, societal pressure, or unmet emotional needs. Being attentive to a child's emotions and offering support can help prevent these issues from worsening.