Mental and behavioral health are fundamental elements influencing the growth and development of children and adolescents. Good mental health facilitates proper intellectual growth, enhances learning abilities, fosters healthy social relationships, and achieves personal goals.
The importance of mental health is evident in several aspects.
Firstly, children and adolescents with good mental health are more capable of handling daily challenges, whether academic or social.
Mental health also boosts self-confidence and improves academic performance.
Children with psychological issues may face concentration difficulties, leading to declining academic performance.
Secondly, behavioral health plays a crucial role in shaping the behaviors of children and adolescents. Behavioral problems, such as aggression or social withdrawal, might indicate psychological disorders.
It’s important to recognize these problems early on to provide appropriate support and treatment, which helps prevent symptoms from worsening.
Moreover, mental and behavioral health impact family and social relationships.
Children who feel psychologically comfortable are more open to communication and interaction with others, contributing to building strong friendships and enhancing the sense of belonging.
Having a nurturing and safe family environment helps children build self-confidence, feel secure, and achieve healthy mental development.
Strengthening this is the mutual respect parents show each other in front of their children, avoiding discussing family problems in their presence, and ensuring they feel safe at home.
Children and adolescents draw their strength and confidence from their parents through daily interactions, listening attentively and without judgment, and not belittling their feelings and concerns.
Being close to your children makes it easier to recognize the difficulties and challenges they face. Stand by them and help them overcome these challenges, whether at school, at home, or through mood swings experienced during adolescence.
Parents’ understanding of the nature of this developmental and transitional phase saves time and effort in dealing with them, meeting their needs, and raising strong children who will create a bright future.
In conclusion, we must pay special attention to the mental and behavioral health of children and adolescents by creating a safe environment, building positive relationships, effective communication, respect and appreciation, boosting self-confidence, teaching coping skills with stress, emotional management, enhancing psychological resilience, nurturing social relationships, encouraging physical activity, providing proper education, leading by example, and offering necessary education and psychological support when needed. Investing in their mental health is an investment in their future.
May God protect them and bless you with their righteousness, success, and beneficial contributions to their faith and homeland.
