Strengthening Early Childhood Mental Health: 5 Key Steps for Resilience and Confidence Building

Mental Health in Early Childhood: Building Resilience and Confidence for a Healthy Future

The development of mental health during the early years is crucial, much like laying a strong foundation for a house. As noted by Mary Mackrn, an expert at Education Development Center EDC on infant and early childhood health, Mental health in childhood provides a secure base that underpins every other aspect of development.

Parents and caregivers can start building this foundation from the beginning, ensuring children develop resilience, self-esteem, and confidence. Here are five practical steps recommed by Mackrn and Nancy Topping-Tlby, an EDC early childhood mental health clinician.

1. Embrace Affection

   Simple acts such as hugging your child and telling them you love them serve a profound purpose. This basic expression of affection helps foster self-esteem and resiliencekey components for mental health development in later years.

2. Savor the Moments Together

   In today's fast-paced world, taking time to connect with children uninterrupted becomes challenging. Topping-Tlby encourages parents to enrich dly routines by sharing meaningful moments like looks, smiles, conversations, and stories. Putting away phones allows for undivided attention that supports children in learning how to interact positively with others.

3. Recognize Effort Over Outcome

   Fostering emotional resiliencethe ability to bounce back after a setbackbegins when parents acknowledge their child's efforts instead of solely prsing . Topping-Tlby suggests comments like, You've made great progress, or It sounds easier now. This boosts self-esteem and teaches children the value of personal achievement.

4. Model Healthy Behavior

   As rolefor children, parents play a pivotal part in their development. Topping-Tlby encourages parents to be positive examples by demonstrating kindness and caring behaviors towards others. It's also essential to show children how to take care of themselves: Find ways to build your personal joy and model healthful habits.

5. Discuss Mental Health with Healthcare Providers

   Recognizing mental health as a critical aspect of overall wellness, parents should discuss their child’s mental well-being during regular check-ups. Mackrn recomms asking healthcare providers about age-appropriate social and emotional skills, common changes expected as children grow, and any concerning behaviors.

ing that open communication is key:

• What are the typical social and emotional milestones for my child's age?

• How might my child’s behavior change with development?

• Could you share some signs I should look out for?

Mackrn also emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health concerns with healthcare professionals. When parents share their own struggles, like sleep issues or lack of happiness, they are validating their need for support: Parents and caregivers must not underestimate how much they can benefit from discussions about their own mental health.

EDC encourages proactive steps towards nurturing child mental health through these practical tips.

Explore more about mental health in early childhood development. Join SAMHSA's Mental Health Awareness Day on May 4, featuring Olympic champions Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt who have openly shared their mental health journeys.

For further resources on supporting children’s wellbeing, visit EDC's newsroom regularly.

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