Today’s lifestyle has become much more versatile than it used to be. So has become the parents for their children. They are no more living in the world in which they had grown up. That aura no more exists. So, to meet the needs and match up the standard of living the parents strive their best.
When it comes to the growth and development of the child, physical and mental growth goes hand in hand.
The parents not only pay attention to physical growth but also keep an eye on the emotional check of the child. How?
Mental strength requires you to pay attention to three things: the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you act. Thinking big, feeling good, and acting strong help us grow our mental muscles. Of course, it needs practice, patience, and consistency.
Last summer, when I met one of my old friends, she told me that she has been looking for a parent-child counselor. When I asked why she explained to me the reason. Her child’s low self-esteem, she’s worried for. She could not understand the reason for such behavior. Despite being well off, having all amenities what is it that they are lacking? They do not know.
And they are many such as hers. The number is depressing.
Why is that so? Well, the lifestyle, I must say. The exaggerated lifestyles! Our ultra-modern societies in urban areas have put so much pressure, we all have become part of the rat race.
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What is mental strength and why is it important?
Mental strength is the ability to think, act and deal in any situation, favorable or not. It helps kids to bounce back from setbacks and it gives them the strength to keep going. Even if they are in self-doubt their strong minds direct them on how to deal with the situation.
A strong mental muscle is a key that helps children reach their greatest potential in life. Your child should understand that rejection, failure and unfairness are part of life.
Below are some points which tell why kids have a mental strong mind?
Some parents deal in a different manner when it comes to a child’s emotional behavior. As a result, they have mentally strong kids. Then, what do they do? They:-
Don’t expect them to be perfect!
As said, “There is no perfection only life” and that’s what such parents believe in. Nobody is perfect!
Such parents appreciate every time their child makes an effort. Be it a school project, scoring well in exams, or attaining a medal in the games, even if it is a small achievement. They encourage the child that they did well and can do better. This way they make sure that the child remains motivated.
They do not aim for a child to be perfect but to keep the child encouraged to keep performing par excellence.
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”!
Vince Lombardi
Such children will never be afraid of not trying something new. They will worrisome when they will not give it a try. So, let the children do own their own and make their effort countable.
Besides, being perfect is boring.
Help them navigate their negative emotions
Children are like flowers. Soft, vibrant, and bright. Like flowers blossoms in the sun, air, water, and soil; so do children. They grow mentally, socially, physically, and emotionally.
The most important factor is their emotion. Rest of the three co-relates to it. Giving them the right environment is very important. The children should feel safe and comfortable when it comes to their emotions. A warm hug or your simple presence can help your child feel safer in challenging times.
The parents must focus on the emotions of the children. How are they? How they are feeling? What do they like and what not? What do they think? These questions are impactful and every parent must keep a track of them.
They help them to understand and know their child better. Negative emotions like anger, fear, anxiety, accumulate very fast. They hamper the other factors too, especially their mental growth. Parents must navigate such emotions far from the child. Know the reason behind it and let them go.
Have more family time
This one is an interesting point and the best of mine. Family time creates values, principles, standards, and unity. Though family members’ habits and opinions may differ; they must understand each other.
They should take care of each other’s needs and desires with love and respect. It comes only when quality time is spent together. Like, having food together off-screen, playing games together, or going on a family vacation.
The more the parents listen and spend time with their children, the more the children will obey them. They are keen observers.
Limit their screen time
Now, this one is a critical point and a very common problem in families nowadays. Since the COVID-19, this problem has increased immensely. People confined to their homes, because of the pandemic, have left them with no other choice.
Though, this increased time on screen is gradually making us mentally ill. Each member of the family occupied with their gadgets hardly sits together. Neither do they talk or prefer to do any activity. Rarely, the discussions happen. In many houses, it has been observed that sending a text is enough for conveying a message.
Not only the elders or teenagers, even the previous and the next Gen(s) have fallen for this. Using a screen is the need of the time but it should not become a habit for children. They do not know but their brain is ruined with this slow poison.
Parents must limit the screen time of the children. They can keep them engaged in age-appropriate activities. This may be difficult in beginning but one can make it habitual over some time.
- They adapt to the new change
- They know when to say know
- They own their mistakes
- They don’t find excuses
- They are ready to learn
- They overcome their failure
- They Celebrate other people success
Create catchphrases:
Parents can work with the child to create motivational phrases for children to learn. They can repeat those phrases to themselves. Use words that show they are in charge of how they think, feel, and behave.
This will help to overcome the negative voices in their head. Let them fill their subconscious mind with those and use them as a kickstart always. Some of the effective catchphrases are short and easy to remember:
- “I will do my best.”
- “I am confident.”
- “I’m good enough.”
- “I choose to be happy today.”
