Emotional Wellness:
The Gift for a Happy Childhood

Emotional health is a fundamental part of a child’s overall health and well-being. Emotional development is sometimes referred to as childhood mental health or infant mental health. Although they are often used interchangeably, there are notable differences between the two.

Emotional health relates to social and emotional competencies. It is a collection of social and emotional skills which can be developed and worked on from childhood. It starts from how your child learns to manage or handle adversities and stress he or she experiences within the first few years of life. A child with well-developed emotional and social skills is inclined to be self-confident, trusting, intellectually inquisitive, empathic, capable of relating well to others, and has greater potential to accomplish more in life.

The Image of an Emotionally Healthy Child

Being emotionally healthy does not necessarily mean a child is happy at all times. It means having the power to be in control of their emotions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Although an emotionally healthy child can still experience overwhelming and painful emotions, he or she possesses a good set of emotional skills every child should have to navigate life’s challenges, while still feeling good about their own self and maintaining good relationship with others.

A child who is emotionally healthy can recognize and communicate about their emotions appropriately. The emotions felt are successfully managed by regulating the physical and behavioral reactions in such a way that promotes wellness and constructive relationships. Even when life throws a curveball, an emotionally healthy child can still be compassionate and empathic to care for others, while caring for themselves. Their flexibility and positive mindset allow them to approach problems or conflicts in their lives without feeling overwhelmed.

Emotional Upsets at Different Development Stages

The emotional skills developed in childhood form a critical foundation for learning and wellness through adulthood. The experiences you may witness as your child grows, whether they are negative or positive, physically manifest as emotions. These experiences and skills will serve to guide and influence how they deal with both success and failure across their lifelong health and productivity.

Understanding the importance of emotional wellness can help you take steps to make your child become more emotionally sophisticated and confident.

There are, however, common emotional upsets your child may have to go through at different stages of life.

  • Infancy – Separation anxiety typically rears its head when a baby is about 8 months-old. Although the timing varies from child to child, it is a completely normal response from a child who realizes their parents exist separately from them. The same feeling appears again when the child starts preschool, as both child and parent sail across the nuances of school. It can be stressful for both child and parent who may find it confusing to be in the midst of a new social network. No matter how fussy this phase is, it is important to consider how enriching or stimulating it is for the child’s emotional wellness.
  • Childhood – As the child grows older, more negative feelings, such as anxiety, fear and depression, may surface in response to the expanding social interactions. Your child may struggle with the pressure to perform at school or in other activities. Like other children, your young child may find it difficult to adjust to the constraints of staying in school the whole day, affecting his or her focus and attention span.
  • Adolescence – Every parent with a teenage child has witnessed the emotional highs and lows of adolescence. Combining surging hormones with academic and social pressures make up for a perfect recipe for mood disturbances. This stage is a breeding ground for depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, irritability, and poor focus which can be attributed to the rapidly growing body not getting enough sleep and nutrients needed.

It can be difficult to communicate with your teen child at this stage, but listening and paying attention to their concerns and supporting them through this challenging phase can make a big difference.

The Troubling Outcomes of Undeveloped Emotional Skills

Without the support needed for the emotional wellness during childhood, your child may be at an increased risk for a variety of disconcerting issues, including

  • Psychological and behavioral concerns, such as aggression, anxiety, and depression
  • Poor self-image
  • Low level of self-confidence
  • Bullying
  • Self-harming tendency
  • Substance and alcohol abuse in teen years and early adulthood
  • Poor academic and athletic performance

Emotional wellness is an important tool for a child’s development. It affects how a child values himself or herself and others, interact, confront challenges, and explore options. While families and educators would do well to reinforce this tool during early children, it is also essential to be familiar with the warning signs that your child is struggling with emotional problems. While emotional problems are usually outgrown, there are times when professional child counseling services may be an extremely beneficial gift for your child to have a happy childhood.

Spotting the Red Flags

Children usually act out what they cannot verbally express. From there, parents can look for changes in the way a child feels, acts, or thinks. If the usually calm and confident child begins to act anxious, sad, or moody, he or she may merit from counseling towards emotional wellness. Or if the once compassionate and sensitive child frequently become irritated and angry with other people, it is also considered a warning sign.

The red flags can also manifest in the form of physical ailments. A telltale sign not to ignore are the frequent complaints your child gives. The grumbles about the aches or other conditions may not be specific, but if they prevent your child from enjoying the day, something may be off. If your child often misses school for any reason or is suddenly slipping in academic performance, these kinds of signs, especially if they persist more than a few days, should be a cause for concern. It is something to pick up on.

Some of the signs your child is struggling with emotional difficulties can also include sleep disturbances, temper tantrums, and refusal to go to school. It is important to determine whether these manifestations are physical or emotional. Help your child to verbalize and acknowledge whatever feelings they have not only to make it easier to resolve the issues, but also to help him or her build self-esteem.

Reinforcing Your Child’s Emotional Strength

Childhood and adolescence are times of upheaval and change, making growing up a difficult and challenging process. Young ones are constantly met with brand new challenges each day, and their ability to respond to these challenges will somehow determine their future life. Each new challenge brings in a new and often unexpected emotion. Recognizing these emotions and learning how to handle them will reinforce the foundation of your child’s emotional health.

Emotions can sometimes be powerful, and without the essential tools to help your child process them can leave him or her feeling overwhelmed. While you, as a parent, can be there to help your child understand these emotions while growing up, there is more to gain in letting an independently contracted child counselor at Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC (N. Main St) to help your child. When you make a call, your child will be matched with the right fit therapist who will see to it that your child opens the gift of emotional wellness for a happy childhood. Call now to request an appointment.

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