Supporting Children’s Mental Health

Written by Mommies In Need’s Play Therapist, Kaitlyn Christian

As the play therapist at Mommies In Need, I work daily with children, utilizing play to communicate and explore their thoughts, feelings, and wishes. I see the power of play in action daily at Annie’s Place and how it supports the emotional well-being of children. I'd like to share some insights and tips on how you can support your child's mental health at home. 

First and foremost, let's establish a fact: mental health is not just for adults. Children experience stress, anxiety, and other emotions that can affect their mental health and on their own, have less resources to manage stressful events. As parents, it is essential to recognize this and proactively support their emotional well-being. 

Encourage Expressive Play:

Play is the natural language of children. Through play, children can explore their emotions, develop social skills, solve problems, and much more. Encourage your child to engage in various forms of play, including imaginative, creative, and physical activities. Be there to join in their play and validate their feelings when they emerge. For example, “You are proud of that painting!” or “You’re sad that tower fell down. Looks like after a deep breath you’re ready to try again.” 

Create a Safe and Supportive Environment:

Your home should be a haven where your child feels safe to express their emotions, both positive and negative. You can encourage open conversations about feelings and thoughts and can ensure that your reactions are supportive and non-judgmental. This will help your child to build a healthy emotional vocabulary and feel comfortable expressing themselves. 

Provide Routine and Structure:

Children thrive on routine. A routine creates predictability, which creates security, and therefore safety for children. Simple routines like a bedtime story, regular mealtimes, or a daily walk can provide a comforting structure that can support their mental well-being. Bonus: having these routines lays the foundation for building healthy habits as they grow up! 

Teach Resilience:

Life will inevitably present challenges and disappointments. It's important to teach children how to cope with these situations. Right now, it may be that their toy broke, their sibling took their toy, or they can’t find their jacket, likely something with an easy fix. As they get older, the challenges they face will get more complicated and out of your control, like someone doesn’t like them back nor want to be friends with them, or they didn’t make the school team they tried out for. Encourage them to express their feelings, help them identify solutions, and reassure them that it's okay to make mistakes. This will foster resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges. For example, if you have the time, sit with them in their feelings about the broken toy or that someone took their toy, and see what solutions they come up with or help them to identify solutions. 

Seek Professional Help When Necessary:

If your child shows signs of prolonged distress, changes in behavior, or if you're concerned about their mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Play therapists are trained to help children navigate their feelings and experiences. 

Lastly, remember that as a parent, your mental health is a priority too. Your well-being directly impacts your ability to support your child's mental health. It's not selfish to prioritize your own needs. In fact, it's one of the best things you can do for your child! 

Children's mental health matters. By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can foster an environment that supports your child's emotional well-being. Remember, it's not about being the perfect parent but about being a present and supportive one. 

If you would like more information on Mommies In Need’s Play Therapy Program, click the button below.