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In the fast pased world, children's mental health is a subject which demands our absolute attention. One of the biggest contributors to their well-being is parental relationships.
How does it impact their mental health exactly, and why it is of utmost importance for us to take care of their wellness? Parental stress and strain have a direct and potentially long-lasting impact on a child's well-being.
What Is Children’s Mental Well-Being?
Mental well-being is similar to a garden which demands regular care in order to thrive. It deals with our emotional, social, psychological wellness. In layman terms, it's how we think, feel, and interact with our surroundings.
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Picture a child's mind like a delicate flower. As flowers require daily sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow, children require ample love, support, and an encouraging environment to form strong mental health foundations.
This involves having a sense of security as well as belonging, and being able to express their feelings in a healthy way. This is heavily impacted by parental relationships.
Impact of Parental Strain on Children’s Mental Health
Stressors in a parental relationship can be of various types. Perhaps you and your partner are going through financial, social, or psychological difficulties. While these concerns are common, sometimes, children experience the passive effects of the strain. Children, even young babies, are very receptive to their parent's emotions. The strain that you experience can be transferred to your child, causing emotional distress in them.
Children model their parents' behavior, especially the ways in which they respond to other things around them. This may lead them to learn unhealthy coping mechanisms in the long run.
Additionally, your relationship may have an effect on both physical and mental functioning of your child. They may experience difficulties in concentration, attention, and various other cognitive effects. The constant strain also puts them at a risk of developing childhood disorders.
The Importance of Children’s Mental Health
The state of mental well-being of children lays down the foundation stone for their future. As they learn to manage their feelings and deal with daily stressors, they are significantly better equipped to go through life's challenges when they turn into adults.
A thriving mind is a mind that is receptive in nature. Children who are mentally strong excel in school, have better concentration, and attain their educational objectives. They can easily focus on everyday learning, free from the burden of untreated mental health issues.
Children with sound mental wellness build empathy, communication skills, and the capacity to form and nourish healthy connections with people around. When they know that strain between the parents is less, it empowers them with the necessary resilience to deal with the rigors and failures that life may have in store for them.
Nurturing Children’s Mental Well-Being Amid Parental Stress
A loving and encouraging family environment is the most important factor for children's mental health. Promote open and clear communication, active listening habits, and a deep sense of belonging within the family structure.
Try to keep your strenous conversations away from where your child is. This might be difficult at first, but try to avoid direct exposures to conflict and any form of violence. If not controlled, this can often lead to experiences of childhood trauma.
Refrain from putting unnecessary undue pressure on children to be okay after witnessing a conflict. Be gentle and empathetic towards their experiences. At the same time, seek help for yourself and couple therapy if required.
Children's mental health isn't just a blessing but an absolute necessity. It's the foundation blocks upon which they craft their futures. By nurturing and nourishing your own mental well-being, you empower them with the right tools to go through life's ups and downs. By working on your strains, you allow them to grow in a safer environment.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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