- Sometimes it is thought that these types of problems are exclusive to adults, but this is not the case.
- It is always necessary to talk to minors but in a language they can understand.
- Many mental health problems like depression develop from childhood.
When talking about health, one of the most common mistakes made is thinking that only physical appearance matters. In order for it to be complete, the emotional aspect must also be taken care of. The sum of both is essential for full development to prevail. But in addition, it is also thought that this type of situation only affects adults, but this is not the case. In fact, there are various myths about children’s emotional healthDo you know which are the main ones?
In this sense, the health specialists of Tecmilenio University point out that a happy childhood in an emotionally stable environment provides the foundation for healthy growth.
They also recall the importance of emotional well-being and mental health care in this sector of the population. In Mexico alone there are 31.8 million children between the ages of 0 and 14, according to data from the 2021 population census of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
According to Laura Juárez, coordinator of Emotional and Mental Health at Tecmilenio, there are several myths surrounding the children’s emotional health. That is why he shares some of the most common ones and how to deal with them.
1. Children have no real problems
Although they do not go through adult conflicts, the reality is that there are issues that afflict them such as the recognition and expression of emotions, which is often minimized by parents or adults who are part of the life of an infant. An example would be asking them not to cry. This only conveys the message that what they feel is not real and that there is no reason to express it.
2. Children do not understand
Infants perceive everything that happens around them and it is important for them to have information about what is happening. For example, when a close relative dies, sometimes the family prefers not to tell them the news to protect them, when in reality what they need is to know what is happening and to talk to them about it. It should always be from a simple and understandable language for their age and avoiding “white lies”.
3. Mental health improves with age
For many adults, it is only a matter of time before the children overcome their problems. However, not addressing conflicts adequately and on time only causes that which afflicts them to mature; and sometimes it could trigger more complex problems.
4. Behavior disorders are the result of poor education.
Although the relationship that children have with their parents influences their behavior, there are other situations that can trigger them, such as traumatic events and even genetic conditions. Take for example the Attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (AD/HD), for many parents it could only mean that their child is restless, but without adequate accompaniment and guidance from health professionals, it can cause social and educational problems.
Some recommendations that the expert shares to guarantee stable emotional health for children are:
- Provide them with safe spaces and the confidence to talk about their emotions, manage to recognize and process them. “This action represents the difference between a child who recognizes that he is angry and one who does not say it but goes and attacks a classmate.”
- Help them establish healthy relationships with their environment, such as family and other children. “Undoubtedly, the home is the place where children observe examples of how to have healthy interactions with others, and as adults we must worry about showing them what the best relationships are for them.”
- Teach them to solve problems. “Create support networks that they can turn to when they don’t feel well or something happens that affects them, in this way they can find solutions that help them resolve the conflict that afflicts them. This process is also key to developing tolerance for frustration.”
- Provide them with stability at home and cover their basic needs to promote a healthy environment. “Having food, education and housing are part of the rights of children and are part of the elements that help them have emotional health, but habits, dynamics, that allow them to establish a routine and flexible structure in their lives are also necessary. daily life”.
- Have fun with family. Playing family games and having fun together is one of the best ways to show each other love and affection. It can also be a great opportunity to release stress for both parents and children after a difficult or complicated day.