Mental Health for Kids

Recognizing the warning signs of poor mental health in children is crucial for early intervention and support. It’s important to remember children can exhibit different signs based on their age, developmental stage, and individual personalities.

Here are some symptoms of poor mental health in children:

Changes in Behavior:

• Withdrawal from activities or friends they once enjoyed.

• Increased irritability, anger, or aggression.

• Difficulty concentrating or a decline in academic performance.

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns (eating too much or too little, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep).

Emotional Changes:

• Frequent or intense mood swings.

• Persistent sadness, tearfulness, excessive worry or of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt.

• Expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek immediate help if this occurs).

Physical Symptoms:

• Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical complaints.

• Fatigue, low energy, changes in sleeping patterns, weight loss or weight gain.

Social Changes:

• Withdrawal from social interactions or loss of interest in spending time with friends and family.

• Increased sensitivity to criticism or rejection.

• Difficulty making or maintaining friendship, bullying others or being a victim of bullying.

Academic and Performance Changes:

• Decline in academic performance, lower grades, or lack of motivation.

• Difficulties concentrating or paying attention.

• Increased absenteeism or refusal to go to school.

Changes in Sleep Patterns:

• Difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or night terrors.

• Excessive sleeping or reluctance to get out of bed.

• Restlessness or tossing and turning during sleep.

Regression:

• Reverting to behaviors typical of a younger age (e.g., bedwetting, thumb-sucking, separation anxiety).

• Loss of previously acquired developmental skills (e.g., language, toilet training).

It’s important to remember that experiencing one or two of these signs doesn’t necessarily indicate a mental health problem. However, if you notice several of these warning signs persisting over time or significantly impacting your child’s daily life, it’s advisable to seek professional help.

Ways to Help Your Child’s Mental Health

Just as we prioritize a child’s physical health, it is crucial to nurture their emotional and psychological well-being from an early age.

Here are a few ways you can help your child:

Create a Nurturing Environment:

Ensure children feel loved, valued and emotionally secure at home and in school. Foster open communication, active listening and empathy to create a safe space for expressing thoughts and emotions.

Encourage Healthy Relationships:

Encourage healthy interactions with family, friends and peers, promoting kindness, empathy and respect. Teach children conflict resolution skills and help them develop strong social connections.

Promote Emotional Literacy:

Encourage children to express their feelings and validate their experiences. Teach them appropriate ways to cope with challenging emotions such as anger, sadness and frustration.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset:

A growth mindset instills in children the belief that their abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance. Encourage children to embrace challenges, view failures as opportunities for growth, and celebrate their achievements. 

Encourage Physical Well-being:

Physical and mental health are interconnected, and promoting an active lifestyle contributes to children’s overall well-being. Encourage regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep. 

Limit Screen Time and Promote Digital Wellness:

Set reasonable limits on screen time and encourage alternative activities such as reading, outdoor play and hobbies. Teach children about responsible online behavior, cyberbullying and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities.

Teach Stress Management Techniques:

Introduce relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises and journaling. Encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy, such as art, music or sports, as outlets for stress relief.

Recognize Warning Signs and Seek Support:

Watch for changes in behavior, mood swings, social withdrawal or academic difficulties. If you notice persistent signs of distress, seek professional support from specialists who can provide appropriate guidance and intervention. 

Fostering mental health in children is a lifelong journey requiring commitment, patience and continuous learning. A mental health professional, such as a pediatrician, psychologist or counselor, can conduct an assessment and provide appropriate guidance and support tailored to your child’s needs.

To learn more about children’s mental health, check out HelpMommy.com. 

Family-Friendly Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

In the hustle and bustle of life, making dinner can feel like one more thing on a very long to-do list. Check out this recipe for a classic comfort food: chicken noodle soup. 

Here is what you will need:

• 1 rotisserie chicken (shredded)

• 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup of frozen vegetables

• 1 diced yellow onion

• 2 chopped carrots

• 2 chopped celery stalks

• 1/2 cup of noodles of your choice

• 2 cups of milk

• 3 tablespoons of flour

• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken with a fork before adding it to a slow cooker. Next, combine all ingredients except the pasta into the slow cooker and cook covered for 6 to 8 hours. Make sure the chicken has become tender and the vegetables are soft. Stir in the pasta and cover and continue to cook on low heat for an additional 40 minutes or until pasta is al dente.

If you don't have a slow cooker, you could make this recipe in an instant pot or over the stove. Your family will be requesting this winter meal throughout the whole season!

Do you have a favorite kid-friendly recipe? Share it with us at [email protected] to possibly be featured in a future newsletter.