Every child is special. Whether they experience sadness, joy, high energy, excel academically, or have a slower pace, as parents, it is crucial to understand ‘the reason’ behind their mental state. Sometimes, no matter how closely we observe our children, we may fail to understand their behavior. And in today’s modern world, we can not expect to discipline our kids with strict behavior or punishment. Rather understand their mental state.

May is mental health awareness month, and SSSU organized a creative session with Mr.Mehta (Shoonya)- A Yoga and Mindfulness Trainer and Consultant in Uganda currently working with corporates and government organizations and offering private consultations.

According to UNICEF, in many countries, students have perceived school as a place of self-esteem, where they become aware of who they are, spend time with friends and look for emotional support.

The goal of this mindfulness workshop was for students to become aware of themselves, gain confidence, and improve their physical, spiritual, and mental health. Mindfulness helps students cope with stress, trauma, perform better at school and be more conscious and creative.

We engaged in a deeper conversation with Mr. Mehta to understand why parents should not neglect their children’s mental health.

How does parenting affect the mental health of your child?

The initial years of every human being are the learning and foundation years. The child’s behavior, emotions, and habits form at a place called home, where they are nurtured by the parents in most cases.

These are the years when a child is ready to learn everything around him

•  The way people talk
•  The language
•  The expressions
•  Habits and
• Emotional behaviors of people around him.

Children imitate and adapt everything we do and the first seven years become the foundation of the future life we want to build.

 Therefore, the environment in which the child is raised, the food they eat, the language spoken at home, and the atmosphere at home define a major part of his personality.

Understanding that your child is going through a mental health condition.

There are many emotions a child undergoes while growing up. And feeling sad or helpless can be part of their mood. However, continuing the same display of negative emotions could be a sign that parents should not ignore.

• The fear of a person, place, or experience of a child can also be a trigger such as if he sees the same person or people appearing again in physical form or dreams.

•  Disturbance in sleeping or eating patterns, not mingling with other children, or feeling disinterested in playing with them are signs that tell your child needs attention.

• Displaying anger, hurting himself or others, and disobeying school rules repeatedly are other signs of your child seeking attention.

If such behavior is displayed consistently for more than a week, the child needs counseling.

Helping your children cope with emotions and mental health challenges.

It’s important to understand that as caregivers you are responsive and not reactive towards your child’s mental health.

Parents should engage in empathetic conversations with their children if they observe these signs.

You should note their responses and consistently monitor their overall behavioral patterns. Ensure the child maintains eye contact while communicating and does not avoid eating.

Rather than reacting, make your child feel special.

•  Give them space
•  Take them for a walk
•  Have discussions on their areas of interest.

 If it’s simply a mood swing, the child would immediately show interest in some new information coming at him/her. If it’s a fear emotion, person, place, or incident, it will bring in emotional shifts if the child’s behavior.

Parents must observe these patterns and, if repeated on more than two occasions, they need to take corrective measures.

Communicate with your child and make them tell you what is wrong, and if you still fail, Visit a child specialist or a child psychiatrist for further investigation.

Taking care of your child’s mental health is an on-going process and as parents and an educational institution we need to deal with it creatively.

In our next series, we will share how we can enable learners to unleash their full potential.