The mental health of infants and toddlers

27 Oct The mental health of infants and toddlers

The mental health of infants and young children? Do we really have to worry about that at his age?

It can be strange to imagine a young child with anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems, but it can happen. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in the United States alone, about 4.4 million children ages 3 to 17 have anxiety, about 1.9 children ages 2 to 7 years experience depression, and 6 million children in this same age group are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These statistics make it clear that mental health should be a primary goal of parents and caregivers, even for young children who have not reached school age.

Unfortunately, the younger population of infants and toddlers may not be getting the mental health checkups and help they need. This is primarily due to stigmas that make us believe that young children are immune to health struggles. However, statistics show that diagnoses of anxiety and depression in young children are increasing in recent years.

Why it’s never too early to work on mental health

Although babies and toddlers often seem carefree, they can also experience stressful situations. Research shows that children ages 0-5 can experience mental health problems, but these are often overlooked because of their age.

Infants and toddlers are at a critical stage, and their experiences shape their futures. It is essential to promote mental health from the moment a baby is born through affection, bonding, and security. The way parents and caregivers interact with young children and help them work through situations that affect their health can prepare them to deal effectively with stressful situations as they grow older.

Promoting Mental Health Beyond Childhood

Babies and young children may not understand mental health, but there is no doubt that they can feel great emotions. Here are some tips to promote mental health in your little one:

I know the emotional support they need

Children of all ages seek emotional support from their parents and caregivers. That’s why your baby calms down when you walk into the room and your toddler runs to you for a hug after a disagreement with a playmate. Try to be emotionally available to your baby with lots of smiles, hugs, and kind words.

Talk about emotions

Young children may begin to talk about emotions with you. You can help your child work through her emotions by labeling her feelings From her From him: “You feel disappointed that we can’t go to the park right now. I understand it”. You can also name your own emotions, explaining why you feel a certain way.

Set a good example

Being in tune with your own emotions can show your baby or toddler that there is nothing wrong with feeling them. But be aware of how you react to situations. Take deep breaths, meditate, or use any other technique you prefer to calm down and deal with your own emotions. It also helps your child learn to deal with her emotions (see our babySparks “Calming Bottle” and “ Building a Cozy Corner” activities for inspiration).

Get to know your child’s caregivers

Nursery and kindergarten employees, babysitters, friends, and family who are close to your child also play a role in their mental health. Make sure you choose loving and supportive caregivers.

Feed self-esteem

Building trust in your little one is a crucial step in fostering positive mental health. Offers many opportunities for age-appropriate independence. Be sure to praise their efforts. You can even stand in front of the mirror every morning with your child and name a few things that you like about him.

There are many ways to care for your child’s mental health early on, but if you notice signs of extreme anger, inconsolable crying, an inability or unwillingness to bond with caregivers, or frequent sadness, it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician for guidance.

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