For parents, their kid’s overall well-being is a priority. Whether it is physical health or their performance at school, parents are keen on determining what support and assistance their little ones may need to thrive and flourish. Oftentimes, the assistance only extends to helping with their homework or encouraging exercise. But are these enough?
You see, mental health is equally critical for kids.
Children tend to face numerous challenges during their school years. And as a parent, it is possible for you to overlook them, given you already have your plate full of responsibilities.
Hence, we bring you this blog. It features excellent tips on how to enhance the mental health of a child studying at an IB school in Tokyo. But first, let’s understand –
Mental health in-depth
On hearing the term “mental health,” what pops up in your mind?
It’s problems like eating disorders, ADHD, anxiety, or depression for a lot of parents. However, detecting and treating disorders is only one aspect of mental health.
The World Health Organization or WHO defines mental health as “a state of well-being” in which an individual:
– Acknowledges his or her own skills
– Is able to handle daily stress
– Works effectively
– Participates in the community
Addressing mental health issues is only one aspect of supporting our kids. You must also nurture their emotional health and resilience. That is how you can provide them with the affection and encouragement they require to flourish.
The importance of mental wellness of kids in Indian Schools
Children who are mentally healthy are more likely to be self-assured, upbeat, and receptive to new experiences. They actively pursue interests or pastimes, make friends, and create goals. A contented child is frequently vivacious and full of life’s excitement.
But constant happiness isn’t the goal of mental wellness. It’s normal for children to experience difficulties that make them feel depressed, angry, or confused; this is a normal aspect of growing up. Resilience—the capacity to handle and recover from challenging circumstances—is what really counts.
Although it takes time to develop resilience, it is something that can be learned. Resilient kids are better at handling stress, which lowers their risk of developing anxiety or depression. Additionally, it prepares students for long-term success by giving them the skills they need to overcome obstacles in school and beyond.
Tips to elevate the mental wellness of your kid
Now that you understand mental health and its impact on kids studying at Indian schools let us now learn how to tackle mental concerns for good.
1. Listen to your child
Asking your child about their school day or what they are looking forward to doing this weekend will help you engage with them. Be genuinely curious about their opinions and experiences.
If kids show signs of stress, pay close attention to what they have to say and reassure them that they are not alone and that their feelings are real. Just being there to listen can have a profound impact at times.
2. Help your child remain connected
Because healthy relationships are essential to your children’s emotional health, encourage them to spend meaningful time with their friends and family.
Arrange visits, enjoyable weekend activities, or even video conversations to keep them in touch with loved ones. Their general mental health is enhanced by these bonding experiences, which provide them with a feeling of support, contentment, and belonging.
3. Give your kid some assurance
It’s crucial to convince kids that emotions like sadness and anger are perfectly natural, even though they may find them strange.
Encourage candid discussions about their feelings and teach them constructive ways to communicate, such as through writing, sketching, chatting, or relaxing hobbies. Encouraging them to comprehend and control their emotions builds resilience and emotional intelligence, which makes overcoming obstacles in life simpler.
4. Establish a routine beyond the one at IB school in Tokyo
At Indian schools, kids abide by an organised timetable. This doesn’t necessarily happen at home.
Mental concerns often get out of control when things aren’t organised. This is where establishing a routine can come in handy. For instance, set bedtimes, regular mealtimes, or designate hours for homework and play.
The idea is to give your kid a sense of predictability, reducing stress. He or she will feel more in control of their environment.
5. Take care of yourself, too
Parenting is downright a difficult responsibility. Before you can help your kid with his or her overall well-being, it is important you take care of your physical and mental health, too. The aim here is to set a positive example for your little one, helping him or her understand how to deal with stressful circumstances down the line.
Final thoughts
Kids, no matter what their age, are susceptible to mental health issues due to a variety of reasons. And oftentimes, parents do not realise it until it’s too late.
While you focus on encouraging exercises to promote a healthy body, see to it that you take the right steps to support their mental health, too. Use the tips listed above or seek a professional’s help to ensure your kid at IB school in Tokyo is cared for in every way possible.
