| Its important for parents to realize they aren't alone in | | | | the following signs lasting for a period of at least two |
| raising their children. | | | | weeks, your teen could be experiencing a minor |
| A child's emotional and physical development is shapes | | | | depression. |
| by genetic and environmental factors alike. Genetic | | | | Feeling down. |
| factors can affect a child's ability to learn, play,manage | | | | Lack of interest in activities. |
| emotions, and interact with people. But a child's | | | | Sleeping problems. |
| environment also plays a pivotal role in early | | | | Poor concentration. |
| development Think of all the people your child interacts | | | | A recent study by Columbia University and the New |
| with on a regular basis-such as siblings, relatives, and | | | | York State Psychiatric institute reported that |
| other caregivers like babysitters, teachers, and | | | | teenagers with minor depression have a higher risk of |
| healthcare providers. They each play a key role in | | | | mental health issues later in life. Rates of anxiety, |
| your child's development. Likewise, social and | | | | severe depression, and eating disorders were far |
| economics factors-such as proper nutrition, housing, | | | | more common in 20-to 30-year-olds who'd |
| healthcare, and experiences at school and within the | | | | experienced minor depression in adolescence. |
| community-are constantly at work to shape your | | | | If you suspect your teen is going through a rough spell, |
| child's development from a very early age. A child's | | | | don't ignore the issue. One in 10 parents thinks those |
| physical health also plays an important role in his or her | | | | with mental illness can just snap out of it if they want |
| mental health. Here are the basics every child needs | | | | to. But that's not the case at all. And, while you can't |
| for good mental health. | | | | force your teen to open up to you, there are some |
| Nutritious food, adequate clothing, and a healthy living | | | | things you can do: |
| environment. | | | | Monitor your teen's level of stress. Record and share |
| Plenty of sleep | | | | how it's affecting his or her behaviour, thoughts, and |
| Regular physical activity, including time to play with | | | | feelings. |
| other children | | | | Watch for signs of stress overload. |
| Ongoing and unconditional love, praise, and affection | | | | Encourage your teen to talk-if not with you, then |
| Encouraging teachers and supportive caregivers who | | | | encourage him to open up to someone else he knows |
| provide appropriate guidance and discipline | | | | and trusts, or find a therapist he's comfortable talking |
| Self confidence and high self-esteem | | | | to. |
| When children are surrounded by positive relationships, | | | | There are also preventative measures that can help |
| they in turn learn the value themselves and happily | | | | your teen learn to manage stress before it gets out of |
| accept who they are; they learn to embrace what | | | | hand: |
| makes them unique; they develop a positive outlook on | | | | Encourage your teen to get active in group sports and |
| life; and they know they're loved unconditionally. These | | | | social activities. |
| are the building blocks of good self-esteem, which is | | | | As a family, stay physically active and eat nutritious |
| important to develop early on in childhood because it's | | | | meals. |
| essential to good health throughout life. | | | | Help your teen become more assertive and develop |
| Navigating through adolescence | | | | good time-management skills both of which come with |
| The transition from childhood to adulthood doesn't | | | | practice. |
| happen overnight. First, a child must navigate the | | | | Encourage family members to speak positively about |
| challenging stage of adolescence. For a teenager who | | | | themselves and each other, and discourage negative |
| has not yet gained the experience to cope with difficult | | | | reinforcement. |
| situations and mounting expectations, adolescence can | | | | Teach your teen to feel good about adequate work |
| seem overwhelming at times. When stress and | | | | versus always striving for perfection. |
| anxiety are not managed properly, they can build and | | | | Encourage your teen to build a network of reliable and |
| manifest in ways that negatively impact on mental and | | | | supportive friends. |
| physical health. | | | | You are more than welcome to visit my health and |
| While it's not unusual fot teens to feel irritable, sluggish, | | | | herbal websites. |
| and sad for brief periods of time, if you notice any of | | | | |