Parents significantly influence their child’s mental health, shaping behaviour and perceptions. Experts highlight key behaviours to foster emotional well-being.
Childhood is the basic tenet of a child’s mental health, sometimes even well into adulthood. And since parents are the key figures in a child’s life, they should embrace healthy behaviours to support and develop their child’s mental health. The relationship between the child and parent is pure, a safe space for the child to emotionally and mentally grow. But sometimes, parents instead of being a safe space, feel suffocating to their child by imposing their own expectations and unfulfilled ambitions. Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung said, “The greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of the parents.”
This intrusive parental behaviour can substantially hinder the child’s development and may reflect in their adulthood as well. The casual jibes and prodding may seem innocent, intended for ‘the child’s best’ or to make them ‘strong’ since life’s not a bed of roses. But it can instil low self-image and self-esteem in the child; ultimately affecting them in adulthood in some way or the other. So it becomes pivotal for parents to show healthy behaviour towards their children.
In an interview with HT, Vishakha Lanjewar, Clinical Psychologist at Lissun elaborated on the importance of fostering positive mental health with the help of their parents’ positive behaviours. She gave simple tips to increase the bonding between parents and child, fostering healthy mental health.
