Jonah Engler’s Secret to Building Good Mental Health in Kids

Identifying a kid's physical needs is easy, but this is not as obvious when it comes to emotional and mental needs. Good mental health enables kids to think, developing socially, and learning new skills. Encouraging words and good friends additionally are crucial to help a kid develop a healthy emotional outlook, high self-esteem, and self-confidence in life.

Jonah Engler’s Secret to Building Good Mental Health in Kids
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Mental and Physical Health Both are Equally Important

Kids Good Physical Health - The Basics

• Healthy living environment.

• Immunizations.

• Exercise.

• Adequate sleep and shelter.

• Nutritious food.

Kid’s good mental health - The Basics

• Good discipline and appropriate guidance.

• Secure and safe surroundings.

• Supportive caretakers and encouraging teachers.

• Chance of playing with other kids.

• High self-esteem and self-confidence.

• Unconditional love from the family members.

The Power of Unconditional Love

Acceptance, love, and security must be the core of family life. Kids require learning that their love is not dependent on their accomplishments. Defeats and/or mistakes must be expected, as well as accepted. As per Jonah Engler, confidence develops in a home that is full of affection and unconditional love.

Jonah Englers Suggests Ways to Build Good Mental Health in Kids

1. Nurture the self-esteem and confidence of kids - Confidence is essential part of mental health in kids;

(a) Praise them - Always encourage the initial steps of kids or their ability to learn something new, which helps them develop a desire to explore and learn about their surroundings. Enable them to explore and play in an area that is safe where they will not hurt them. Assure kids by talking and smiling to them often. Ensure in being an active participant during their activities. It is the attention of parents that helps in building their self-esteem and self-confidence.

(b) Set realistic goals - Kids require realistic goals that match their ambitions along with their abilities. Through parents' help, older kids can pick activities that can help test their skills and increase their self-confidence.

(c) Avoid Sarcastic Remarks - Should a kid fail a test or lose a game; parents need to find out how they feel regarding the situation. Kids are likely to get discouraged as well as require a pep talk. Later, when kids are ready, communicate with them, and offer assurance.

(d) Be honest - Parents should never hide their failures from their kids. Kids need to learn that everyone makes mistakes. Most importantly, it will be re-assuring in learning that adults are never perfect.

(e) Inspire children - Parents should encourage kids to strive to do their very best and also take pleasure in the process. Experimenting with new activities will teach kids about new skills, self-esteem, and teamwork.

2. Arrange playtime - Playtime is important for kids, this is how parents can play their role;

(a) Inspire kids to play - Play for kids is just fun. Playtime, however, is crucial to their development just as good care and food. Playtime assists kids in being creative, learning self-control, and learning problem-solving skills. Good, hard play, that comprises yelling and running, along with being fun also assists kids in being mentally and physically healthy

(b) Kids need playmates - At times; kids need to have time with their friends. When kids play with others, they will be capable of discovering their weaknesses and strengths, developing a sense of belonging, and learning how to get along with others. Parents need to get hold of a good kid's program with the help of the recreation department, the local park, schools, local community centers, or neighbors.

(c) Parents are good playmates - Parents should join the fun. Coloring with a kid or playing Monopoly will offer parents the right opportunity to share an idea and spend time together within a relaxed setting. 

(d) Play for Fun - Make kids aware that winning is not as vital as getting involved and taking pleasure in the activity. Parents should always ask their kids, did they win, or did they have fun. In today's goal-oriented society, parents often acknowledge just winning and success. This attitude is likely to frustrate and discourage kids that are experimenting and learning with new activities. It is incredibly crucial for kids to take part and to enjoy themselves.

3. Monitor TV use - Parents should never use the medium of television regularly as a baby-sitter. They should be selective in picking TV shows for kids. Some shows can be entertaining and educational.

4. The school must be fun - To begin school will be a big and vital event for kids. Playing schools will act as a positive means of giving them a glimpse of school life. Parents should get admission in the pre-school, Head Start, and/or similar community programs that offer the chance of being in the company of other children and making new friends. Kids will also learn academic basics, making decisions, and coping with problems.

5. Offer instructive discipline, and appropriate guidance - Kids need the chance to explore and develop independence and new skills. Simultaneously, they require learning that specific behaviors will not be accepted and face the same consequences. Kids also need to learn about family rules. Parents should offer kids discipline and guidance that is consistent and fair. Kids will take such rules of conduct and social skills to school and the workplace eventually.

6. Provide a secure and safe home - Often, kids may feel afraid, and this is normal. Anxiety and fear grow out of the experiences which one does not understand. If kids have concerns that will not vanish and are impacting their behavior, parents must discover what is frightening him/her. During such situations, parents must be patient, reassuring, and loving, and nor critical. The fear can be real to the kid, so act wisely.

Family members and parents are generally the first to see if a kid has any problems related to their behavior or emotions. Parents' observations with that of caregivers and teachers may lead them to seek help for their kids. The moment parents suspect any problem or may have questions. They should immediately consult a pediatrician and, in extreme cases, seek the help of a mental health expert for best results.