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