Adults need to maintain respectful treatment and protect the dignity of boys and girls.
By being in contact with children, whether in the role of parents, grandparents, teachers, aunts, or others, your role is not limited to that of a caregiver. We are essential people who foster their development through love, protection, teaching, and cultivating character.
Children’s mental health begins with the adult’s self-care. A person who is healthy, strong, and calm can experience joy and satisfaction while being with one or more children, which leads them to speak and act with love, to be responsible, and to do everything with care and dedication.
Adults need to pause, reflect on themselves, recognize their feelings, their concept of childhood, their life experiences, their ability to face adversity, and manage stress. All of this influences their bond with the child and their emotional connection with their son, daughter, nephew, niece, or student.
Adults need their own space and activities to nurture themselves emotionally, rest, and practice self-care.
In a secure relationship with an adult, the child learns about themselves, their worth and dignity, finds their place in the world, and learns how to relate to other people, both adults and peers. From an early age, through interaction with their mother and father, sons and daughters learn to communicate, face changes, interact with others, and later, to ask for and offer help, recognize and manage their emotions, and face adversity with hope.
The adult needs to maintain respectful treatment and protect the child’s dignity. When interacting, it is important to speak clearly, be mindful of tone, encourage effort, show how to do something new step by step, and provide guidance through the different stages of their life. Also, correct with love and firmness, share activities and games, transmit confidence, love, and joy.
Similarly, mental health is linked to proper emotional management, a healthy diet, sleep habits, a welcoming home, and a peaceful coexistence free of violence.
Some ideas to keep in mind when interacting with children:
1. Accompany them with love and patience.
2. Hug them whenever you can.
3. Encourage their learning and skills—cognitive, athletic, artistic, and spiritual.
4. Motivate reading stories.
5. Listen attentively.
6. Speak respectfully.
7. Answer their questions with age-appropriate words and information.
8. Help them identify their emotions.
9. Express emotions.
10. Help them make decisions.
11. Strengthen autonomy.
12. Establish clear and firm boundaries.
13. Involve them in household chores.
14. Share common spaces, like mealtime, without distractions.
15. Regulate the use of electronic devices.
16. Do outdoor activities and games.
17. Get to know your children’s friends and peers.
18. Strengthen danger prevention, remind them you are there to help and protect them.
19. Pray with them.
Start caring for their health from early childhood. Learn to enjoy their company and be grateful for their presence in your life.
References:
Webinar: Improving the mental health of our boys and girls in daily interactions with them. Msc. Ana Yency Araya Jiménez. August 31, 2023.
Source: https://www.rededuca.net/blog/educacion-y-docencia/socializacion-ninos-ninas