How to Teach Your Children to Prioritise Their Mental Health

The world is much more accepting of mental health issues than it has ever been before, and that’s a positive thing. It means those who need help are much more likely to get it because they are less worried about the social stigmas that were once attached to depression, stress, anxiety, and many other mental health problems. 

In order to ensure that this good work continues, it’s important to teach the next generation about prioritising their own mental health. If your children understand how to do it and why it is so important, they are much more likely to be healthy or to seek the help they need should they start to experience problems. With that in mind, read on to find out how to help them.

Let Them Know There Is Help

One of the most important things you can do to help your children is to let them know that there is help for them. Tell them you want to hear about anything they might be experiencing that is troubling them and ensure that they know they can come to you no matter what. Always listen to what they have to say, even if it seems to be a trivial matter; the fact that they are talking to you about it is a good thing and will help if and when their problems become worse.

It’s also a good idea to let them know about outside help, such as Behaveo. Seeking help from a therapist is hugely beneficial, and if you need this help yourself, don’t hide the fact from your children – show them that you are able to get the help you need, so that when they are older, they will know what to do and understand there is no shame in it.

Have Good Routines

When a child doesn’t know what’s going to happen each day, it can cause a lot of stress or worry. Having a general routine at home, like a set time for meals or a movie night once a week, can give your child some relief and peace. Having clear rules is also important so that your child knows what is expected of them at home. This can help both the parent and the child feel less frustrated.

This can help your child understand how to prioritise their mental health by ensuring they always know what is ahead of them. In this way, they don’t need to think about anything other than taking care of themselves in the best way for them. They’ll also know much sooner if something feels wrong because they will be used to a routine and anything that changes that will signify something to look out for.

Involve Them In Decision Making

As adults, we think we know what’s best for our children, so they aren’t usually involved in making decisions. Of course, the parent may be the best person to make the final choice, but finding ways for your child to be a part of making decisions can help them feel like they are heard and valued at home. Asking them if they want rice or macaroni and cheese for dinner, for example, is a simple way to show them they have a voice and give them the courage to use it.

This is another way to show them that they can speak up about anything, and it will help them know their ideas and feelings are important.