In recent years, the taboo around mental health has been torn down.
This capital subject, which must be analyzed on an individual scale and on a public policy scale, takes up more space in intimate discussions and political debates.
Even if the resources devoted to this public health issue are not sufficient, we can still see this progress. However, too often children are ignored and the majority of content and action is aimed at adults. However, the mental health of the youngest is also very important.
The very notion of mental health covers a very broad field. The WHO defines it as a state of well-being in which a person can fulfill themselves, overcome the normal stresses of life, perform productive work and contribute to the life of their community. Mental health is therefore more than the absence of mental disorders .
So, this week, to contribute more broadly to the well-being of our children, we offer you some tips and resources. Obviously, they do not replace the help of a health professional or psychotherapy:
- There are many children's books that can reassure anxious children and open a dialogue about fears. For 6-12 year olds, we can mention “ Incroyable ”, published by Midi Trente editions and co-written by Nathalie Couture and Geneviève Marcotte. Through the story of the main character, the child discovers what anxiety is, he learns to raise his fears, to put words to his feelings, as well as to find strategies to deal with them.
- In addition, drawing (or writing depending on the age of the child) can be a way of expressing emotions and starting a discussion about paralyzing or embarrassing emotions.
- In addition, Maria Montessori placed movement at the heart of her pedagogy. She wrote that it was a big mistake to completely separate physical and mental life. Indeed, intelligence develops through movement . So let's try to find a physical activity that will entertain our little ones. For example, children's yoga classes are becoming increasingly popular. The youngest are often the most receptive. They learn to control their breathing, to master their body and their posture, to pacify the link between body and mind. However, they can sometimes be expensive and are not always available. Going for a run in the park or in the forest are also activities that will contribute to the well-being of the child.
Moreover, keep in mind that children are sponges who absorb the emotions of those around them. From time to time, they feel the anxieties of the adults around them (parents, teachers ...). By writing or drawing his anxieties, you can sort it out with him. Thus, we will distinguish those on which he can act and those which do not belong to him.
Finally, active listening remains the most important proposal. By creating a climate of trust, in which the child feels comfortable discussing his fears and emotions, this is the first step towards improving his condition. However, do not hesitate to consult a health professional if his anxiety persists, takes up too much space in his daily life or if he feels the need for it .
Sources:
- Children's mental health – some resources - The Montessori Family - Mental health: strengthening our action (who.int)
- The importance of the child's movement in education and the development of intelligence (according to Maria Montessori) (enseignementaeduquer.fr)