Minneapolis
Therapy & Marriage Counseling |
Ayd and Cavanagh
Psychological Services
4004 24th
Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-229-1234
NURTURING
YOUR CHILD'S MENTAL HEALTH |
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Parents and other caregivers are responsible
for children’s physical safety and emotional well-being. Parenting
styles vary; there is no one right way to raise a child. Clear and
consistent expectations for each child, by all caregivers, are important.
Many good books are available in libraries or at bookstores on child
development, constructive problem-solving, discipline styles, and
other parenting skills. The following suggestions are not meant to
be complete.
- Do your best to provide a safe home
and community for your child, as well as nutritious meals, regular
health check-ups, immunizations, and exercise.
- Be aware of stages in child development
so you don’t expect too much or too little from your
child.
- Encourage your child to express her
feelings; respect those feelings. Let your child know that everyone
experiences pain, fear, anger, and anxiety.
- Try to learn the source of these
feelings. Help your child express anger positively, without resorting
to violence.
- Promote mutual respect and trust.
Keep your voice level down—even when you don’t
agree. Keep communication channels open.
- Listen to your child. Use words and
examples your child can understand. Encourage questions.
- Provide comfort and assurance. Be
honest. Focus on the positives. Express your willingness to talk
about any subject.
- Look at your own problem-solving
and coping skills. Do you turn to alcohol or drugs? Are you
setting a good example? Seek help if you are overwhelmed by
your child’s
feelings or behaviors or if you are unable to control your
own frustration or anger.
- Encourage your child’s
talents and accept limitations.
- Set goals based on the child’s
abilities and interests—not someone else’s expectations.
Celebrate accomplishments. Don’t compare your child’s
abilities to those of other children; appreciate the uniqueness
of your child. Spend time regularly with your child.
- Foster your child’s independence
and self-worth.
- Help your child deal with life’s
ups and downs. Show confidence in your child’s ability
to handle problems and tackle new experiences.
- Discipline constructively, fairly,
and consistently. (Discipline is a form of teaching, not physical
punishment.) All children and families are different; learn what
is effective for your child. Show approval for positive behaviors.
Help your child learn from her mistakes.
- Love unconditionally. Teach the value
of apologies, cooperation, patience, forgiveness, and consideration
for others. Do not expect to be perfect; parenting is a difficult
job. Many good books are available in libraries or at bookstores
on child development, constructive problem-solving, discipline
styles, and other parenting skills.
This information was
supplied by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at www.hhs.gov.
For
more information regarding many parenting topics go to:
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