Helping children feel good about themselves and being supportive of others while developing skills related to emotional well-being, is an important aspect of health. Included below are some ways that parents and guardians can support the development of children’s emotional well-being.
- Involve your child in everyday activities. Cook together, eat together, and be physically active together. Include your child in household chores and activities, and talk about managing money.
- Accept your child for who they are. Embrace their identity and celebrate their individuality.
- Trust and believe in your child. Trust in your child’s ability to make good choices. Tell them that you believe in them.
- Recognize and communicate your child’s efforts. Recognize your child for their effort and perseverance in achieving something and not just for the outcome or success.
- Focus on your child’s strengths. Help your child identify their strengths. Choose activities that highlight these strengths.
- Talk with your child about emotions. Recognize that most people feel a variety of emotions each day. Talk about the emotions you feel and ask your child to share theirs.
- Provide ongoing support. Help your child develop coping skills and solve realistic problems on their own. Talk things through honestly and at their level.
- Demonstrate respectful relationships. Use kind language, listen attentively, and value the opinions of your child and others.
- Demonstrate how you practice emotional well-being. Show your child how you care for yourself and how you show caring for others.
- Make time for quality time. Shut down the computer and put down your phone and have some fun with your child.