Psychologist Vishakha Lanjewar - Lissun Mental Health Counseling Center (India) - said that the relationship between children and parents always needs to be built and nurtured, because the family is a safe space for children to develop emotionally and mentally. But sometimes, parents make children feel suffocated by imposing excessive expectations and ambitions.
Therefore, parents need to demonstrate healthy behavior towards their children now.
Psychologist Vishakha Lanjewar explains the importance of nurturing positive mental health in children that parents should do.
Spend time with children
According to Ms. Lanjewar, sometimes all a child needs is to be listened to, but this is often overlooked for various reasons.
Listening helps children feel valued and understood. It is the first step to developing a positive parent-child relationship because children are more likely to open up to parents who are willing to listen to them.
Giving constructive attention to children while talking and playing with them will help parents know exactly what their children really need, explains Ms. Vishakha Lanjewar.
Spending time playing with your child, watching their favorite cartoons, and engaging in activities that help build positive relationships and empathy with your child is important.
Respect and reward
Children need to be encouraged and motivated. This will build their self-esteem and help them feel supported in their efforts.
“Including positive reinforcement regularly will motivate children to learn, build curiosity. Finally, reward children, as this is the foundation for positive behaviour,” explains Vishakha Lanjewar.
Apply a holistic approach
To nurture children's mental health, parents need to apply a comprehensive approach. In which, what needs to be done is to exploit children's physical and mental health to create comprehensive health results.
Parents should encourage children to exercise, set realistic goals, and work together to solve problems.
Parents should avoid comparing their children as it creates a sense of failure and can lower a child's morale and self-esteem, leading to reduced motivation, Ms. Vishakha Lanjewar cautions.
Instead, parents should praise their children's achievements and help them gradually realize their goals.
