Helpful tips, guidance, and resources for students and parents from Nettelhorst’s Counselors and Guidance Office. Contacts: Ms. Gardner, Ms. Ford, and Ms. Silva – Room 204, 773-534-5810, extension 115 or 502.

Tips for Parents: Helping Children Grow Up Healthy

It is easy for parents to identify a child’s physical needs—nutritious, balanced meals; adequate shelter and clothing; sufficient rest and physical activity; and a healthy living environment. However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious. Yet, it is critical for children to have good mental health as this allows them to think clearly, develop socially, learn new skills, build self-esteem, and develop a positive mental outlook.

Below are some basic steps to help children develop good mental health:

Give your children unconditional love. They need to understand that your love does not depend on their accomplishments.

Nurture your children’s confidence and self-esteem. Praise and encourage them. Set realistic goals for your kids. Be honest about your own mistakes. Avoid sarcasm.

Encourage play. Play time is as important as food to a child’s development. Play helps children be creative, practice problem-solving skills and self-control, and learn how to get along with others.

Enroll your children in an after-school activity. This is especially helpful if your children are home alone in the afternoons. After-school programs are a great way for kids to stay productive, learn something new, gain self-esteem, and have something to look forward to during the week. If this is not feasible, be sure to check in on your children after school if they are on their own. Kids need to know that even if you are not there physically, you are thinking about them. Show interest in how they spent their day and ask how they plan to spend the rest of their time until you can arrive home.

Provide a safe and secure environment. Fear can be very real for a child. Try to find out what is frightening him or her. Be loving, patient, and reassuring; do not be critical of your child’s feelings.

Give appropriate guidance and discipline when necessary. Be firm, but kind and realistic with your expectations. The goal is not to control your child, but to help him or her learn self-control. Consistency and fairness is very important, as children need to know that you say what you mean and mean what you say.

Communicate. Make time each day to listen to your children and talk with them about what is happening in their lives. Share your emotions and feelings with your children.

Ask for help. If you are concerned about your child’s mental or emotional health, consult with teachers, a guidance counselor, or another adult who may have information about your child’s behavior. If you think there is a problem, seek professional help right away.