OUR CHILDHOOD MATTERS MORE THAN WE THINK IT DOES
We often think of childhood as being the easiest part of life yet children today have more issues to face than in times past such as peer pressure, bullying, weight concerns, sexual abuse or harassment, traumas and emotional issues which have led to them having more cases of anxiety disorders, low moods and depression.
Children absorb the good and bad lessons of life from people around them and it is crucial that their physical and emotional welfare are not overlooked.
Comparison between one child and the next is a bad idea because each child develops differently. Avoid it because it can make them develop emotional insecurities which make them become secretive. Remember they are full of emotions, feelings and thoughts but have limited reasoning. Their failures should not lead to criticism rather their efforts should be praised.
Help them to master social skills like forming healthy friendships during childhood because a healthy friendship forms part of the learning tools that teach them how to trust, ask for help and also have a unique perspective of their lives. Children who make good friends are likely to have fewer mental problems.
Children build self-esteem at a very young age. Allow your child to develop healthy self-esteem by allowing them do things for themselves from as early as six months old. Allow him or her to get that favourite toy and feel the joy of the accomplishment. Don’t assist them in getting it.
However, watch out for inflated self-esteem (when they think too much of themselves and feel they are better than others) because it can lead to narcissism. Balance is key.
Influences and experiences gained through childhood will impact behaviour and future development
-UZOAMAKA NWACHUKWU: MICROBIOLOGIST, CO-FOUNDER - COPE AND LIVE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS FOUNDATION. Counsellor on Grief & Bereavement. Counsellor on Depression. Life Coach on Emotional Intelligence. Life Coach on Mental Health & Wellness. Ex-Intelligence Officer.