We live in a culture that glorifies success. But when it comes to children’s mental health, experts say it’s time to slow down, surrender to the status quo, and give kids the time and space to…well, be kids.
“Society’s constant pursuit of productivity and success has a huge impact on children’s mental health,” says psychologist Gordon Shaw of the Lighthouse Center for Wellbeing in Dubai. According to Shaw, the key to children’s well-being lies in protecting their childhood. He suggests that balancing the pursuit of fulfillment with a more holistic approach to parenting is important for raising resilient and mentally healthy individuals.
It’s all about embracing simplicity, getting back to basics, and building connections. “This is an approach that fosters creativity, imagination and critical thinking,” says Shaw.
Want to learn more about how passionately parents can help? The National We asked various experts for their tips and tricks.
scrap schedule
“The overscheduled lives imposed by social norms leave little room for the unplanned play and leisure time that is essential for children’s cognitive and emotional development,” says Shaw. Children often bounce back and forth from one activity to the next, resulting in constant overstimulation.
Boredom promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving
Karen Abu Jawde, Co-Founder of The Wise Parent
In the long term, as we grow older and become accustomed to a certain pace, we often become dissatisfied with the quietness and monotony of daily life and begin to seek external stimulation and entertainment.
“Boredom is good,” explains Karen Abu Jaoudeh, parent coach and co-founder of The Wise Parent. “Boredom promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. If left to their own devices, children will find creative ways to have fun. The more they do this, the better they will become.”
Rather than cramming a schedule of activities, playdates, and outings, parents should focus on quality rather than quantity of experiences. By exposing them to a slower pace of life, children not only become more attentive, but also develop resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, all of which they carry into adulthood. It also prepares you for success.
Shaw adds, “It pays to choose less and prioritize slowness over productivity.”
Streamline your screen time
One of the most difficult challenges in parenting in general is reducing screen time and implementing the limits of technology. “The proliferation of technology encouraged by a business-centric culture has exposed children to excessive screen time, which can have negative effects on their mental health,” Shaw explains.
Sarah Raslan, co-founder of Wise Parents, added: It’s time spent passively, rather than active and engaged time that positively impacts children’s development. ”
Raslan points out that excessive screen time can not only negatively impact your sleep, but also your social skills and overall well-being. To combat this, she advises her parents to set “firm, loving boundaries” around screen time, but also emphasizes the need for some flexibility. I am.
“The key here is predictability,” explains Raslan. “If screen time is spread out over the course of a day or week, kids won’t know when they’ll be able to watch something. On the other hand, if screen time is more predictable, such as when and when screen time is allowed, kids can They are less likely to request viewing, which reduces power struggles and meltdowns around screen time.”
open communication
Creating a supportive environment where children feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings will encourage honest and open conversations for years to come.
“By sharing problems and difficult emotions together, children can overcome any challenges while feeling supported and safe,” says Robert, who has worked as a child development specialist and parenting advisor for more than 20 years. says Sophie Jones.
She explains that when parents share their feelings, it helps children understand that it’s okay to have difficult feelings and emotions.
Shaw agrees with this. “It fosters trust and strengthens the bond between parent and child. It helps parents identify and address potential mental health concerns early and promotes emotional resilience in children. ” he explains.
prioritize play
Play is essential for children’s social, problem-solving, cognitive and emotional development. Parents of younger children should focus on incorporating plenty of unplanned play into their day.
Unstructured play allows young children the freedom to explore, create, and discover without predetermined rules, limits, or guidelines. This gives children the opportunity to explore their interests and imagination organically and intuitively, without adult intervention.
“Play can be a natural outlet for stress relief, build children’s mental and emotional resilience, and regular participation in play can have long-term and lasting benefits.” Mr. Shaw says.
Jones agrees, reminding parents that even school-age children need time dedicated to play to support relationships with peers, learn rules, and foster creativity. Masu.
examine emotions
Validating your child’s emotions and building emotional literacy can have a huge impact on their overall well-being. “Emotions can be overwhelming and confusing for young children,” says Abu Jaoudeh. “Part of our job as parents is to help our children recognize their emotions, validate their existence, and believe that the experience is real to them. It’s about supporting them through the vortex,” she added.
She went on to explain that helping children understand their emotions reduces confusion about what’s going on inside them. And when you go a step further and examine your emotions, you create a sense of security.
“This may look like saying, ‘I see you’re frustrated,’ or ‘It’s okay to be angry,’ or ‘You’re having a hard time right now.’ This validation gives them a sense of safety.” It helps them feel seen and seen, which is an important factor in supporting their mental health.”
soooo three
Sleep not only plays an important role in a child’s growth and development, but it is also essential for a child’s mind and body to function optimally. “Lack of sleep can affect your mood, concentration, behavior, ability to learn new skills, appetite, and mental health,” says Jones.
To ensure that young children get the right amount of sleep, child development experts recommend establishing clear and predictable daytime and bedtime routines to balance a child’s day. I am. For example, spending time outdoors during the day, staying active, and minimizing screen time can have significant benefits for your sleep quality.
Updated: February 27, 2024, 7:34 a.m.
