It is easy for parents to identify children’s physical needs---like good

food, safe housing, plenty of sleep and exercise. Children’s mental and

emotional needs may not be as obvious, but they are just as important.

Good mental health allows children to develop socially, and

intellectually, build self-esteem, learn new skills and develop a positive

mental outlook. These tips can help you support your child’s mental

health:

•Communicate. Spend time every day listening and talking to your child

about what is happening in their lives. Share emotions and feelings with

your children.

•Give children unconditional love. Children need to know that your love

does not depend on their accomplishments.

•Nurture children's confidence and self-esteem. Praise and encourage your children, and set realistic goals that test their abilities. Accept

mistakes and failures as a part of life.

•Encourage children to play. Playtime is important to children’s emotional

development. Play helps children be creative, develop problem-solving

skills and self-control, and learn how to get along with others.

•Give appropriate guidance and discipline when necessary. Be firm, but

kind and realistic with your expectations. The goal is not to control the

child, but to help him or her learn self-control.

•Provide a safe and secure environment. Fear can be very real for a child. When they are frightened, try to find out why. Respond by being loving, patient and reassuring, not critical.

Knowing when to seek help:

When your child has an emotional problem, sometimes all it takes is a hug,

kiss and a smile from you to make them feel better. However, sometimes

children can develop emotional problems that will not go away, no matter

how much love and support you give them. The following signs can help you

determine if your child needs help from a professional. By identifying

possible problems early, your child can be more easily treated.

•Decline in school performance

•Poor grades despite strong efforts

•Constant worry or anxiety

•Repeated refusal to go to school or to take part in normal activities

•Hyperactivity or fidgeting

•Persistent nightmares

•Continuous or frequent aggression or "acting out"

•Continuous or frequent rebellion and/or temper tantrums

•Depression, sadness or irritability

As parents, we believe we can fix almost anything in our children’s lives

but sometimes more help is needed. Nearly one in five children has a

diagnosable mental health problem.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, consult with his or

her teachers, guidance counselor or other adults that may have information

about his or her behavior.

If you think there is a problem, make an appointment with your child’s

doctor or school psychologist.