As we step into the new year, are you wondering how to best nurture your child’s mental health? It’s an important question, especially given how school stress and social pressures can feel overwhelming.
Rest assured, you're not alone in this, and your desire to help your child be mentally well is something every caring parent strives for.
In this newsletter, I’m going to share 3 SIMPLE YET MEANINGFUL ways you can start nurturing your child’s mental health this year.
3 Simple Ways to Nurture Your Child’s Mental Health This Year
Goal #1: Create a calm home
When you have young kids, it often feels like you need to figure out how to balance everything. And here's the thing: this busy pace doesn't slow down even when our kids become teenagers. Despite our days being filled with activity, we can still create a calm atmosphere at home.
A calm home is where kids can always find security and peace of mind. You can do this by:
- Setting aside a quiet space for relaxation (e.g., a living room nook with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and calming therapy decor).
- Incorporating a relaxing routine — like allowing them to read a book and engage in a craft to “decompress” after school.
- Doing an end-of-day gratitude practice. Ask your child to share one thing they are grateful for that day to shift their focus away from stressors.
Goal #2: Limit their screen time
Did you know that too much screen time can alter children’s sleep patterns and make them less responsive to your requests? It also increases stress and loneliness by reducing face-to-face interactions.
Screens are nearly impossible to avoid these days, but the key is to have a balanced screen time schedule. You can start by putting phones or tablets away during meals and at least an hour before bedtime.
Goal #3: More physical activity
It could be a walk in the park, playing sports, or dancing — it doesn’t matter. Physical activity releases endorphins that naturally lift children’s moods. A recent study found that encouraging exercise early has lasting effects, such as a reduced risk of mental illness and an increase in life satisfaction.
At the start of this year, make it a goal to include at least 20 minutes of physical activity into your child’s daily routine. Even better, join them!
As a parent, there’s so much you can do to make a difference!
P.S. Curious about your child’s mental health? Take advantage of our free mental health screening tools to get started. (Please note that these tools are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.)
*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on January 07, 2025.
