Mental health is a big subject of discussion these days, especially with kids. We have never been in a time where so many people talk openly about the importance of mental health, and this is true with both adults and kids. With so much focus on mental health, we must ask ourselves if we are teaching and modeling behaviors that allow kids to learn from us, and in turn improve their mental health? How do we proactively help kids live a life that allows them to experience happiness, good health, and a sense of productivity? When people feel happy, healthy, and productive, they experience positive mental health, making this an important approach to life that parents can teach their kids. Now the question is how do we do this?
Experiencing positive mental health is an active process
While it may be true that on some days we simply feel great, more often than not you are probably actively doing things each day to allow you to feel healthy. Similarly, for kids who experience positive mental health, it is also likely because of the things they do each day. For example, below are things that we can do and will lead to improved mental health:
- Physical movement, including walking, jogging, and any other form of cardiovascular activity.
- Interacting with positive, upbeat people.
- Devoting time to things you find intrinsically enjoyable (i.e. reading, woodworking, gardening, painting, etc.).
- Being creative with music, art, or writing.
- Investing in things that are important to you, including your family, friends, and career.
- Steering away from things that bring you down, including negative family and friends, news channels, or environments that feel unhealthy.
- Refraining from substances that only lead to bigger problems (i.e. drinking).
- Seeking professional help when things simply don’t feel right.
When helping kids improve their mental health, the same ideas presented above apply. It is important that we teach kids the value of eating right, exercising, and getting enough quality rest. Kids should also be encouraged to invest time into the things they enjoy in life, and be given opportunities to experience success, as well as the pride that flows from success. Parents can help kids understand that they largely control their level of happiness experienced in life, and that their mental health is just as important as their physical health (including ideas around how to improve both). And don’t forget the importance of kids feeling productive — when kids feel as though they are valuable and that their thoughts and actions in life count, they develop a strong sense of self and as a byproduct, improved mental health!
Final thoughts
Improving mental health is a worthwhile life task, for both adults and kids. When adults engage in behaviors conducive to positive mental health, they provide excellent role modeling for kids, including specific things that kids can do to feel better about themselves. Remember, experiencing positive mental health is an active process, and not something that simply “happens” because you are alive. The conversations we have, the situations we put ourselves in, and the life experiences we pursue all play into how we feel, and this is especially important for kids to understand.
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