Let's Talk Life: Helping children develop mentally

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Contributor

Dear Counsellor,

What are some of the mental conditions that affect children?

- Marcia

Dear Marcia,

This is a topical question as we are recognising that children are affected by a variety of problems. Children get depressed and grieve their losses just like adults. They develop behavioural problems in response to the stressors they face each day.

Children have intellectual problems and learning disabilities. Some have problems reading or doing mathematics. Some children will never get high marks in an academic subject, but they may be skilled in the physical domain. We need to identify the talents of our children and build on them. Some children have autism, and others have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children need to be assessed early to identify problems.

Some children are anxious and tend to have frequent physical complaints like pain in the belly, or head, or chest. One needs to assess children for the physical causes of their symptoms before we assume that it is all psychological.

Children should have frequent checks to assess whether they are growing or developing normally. Parents need to have a close relationship with the doctor and the teacher. Have discussions with your child and share ideas about how he/she can do better in school. Some children develop panic attacks and this needs to be treated.

Adjusting to changes

Children adjust to changes in their own way and in their own time. Each year, they change schools, classes, or addresses. They have to get familiar with new people and mourn the loss of their old routines. Life is challenging, and children need familiar routines for good mental health. Making changes is difficult for children, and they need extra love and attention at these times.

Some children are slow in their development. They may be slow in acquiring speech or in walking. Problems with these skills need to be dealt with early. So parents, you can compare your children with the others and if you suspect a problem, then you need to speak with your doctor.

Children are resilient and are willing to learn at their own pace. Love your children and show them lots of attention. Speak to them at their level and encourage them to come to you with their problems. Build self-esteem by encouraging good behaviour and focusing on the positive. Children love attention whether they are doing good or bad things. Parenting is a skill that improves with time if the parent is willing to make changes.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.