3 answers
Avery
Student
Roanoke, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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What’s one thing every adult should understood about children’s mental health ?
I'm a high school senior and will be attending college to major in psychology. My long-term goal is to one day become a child psychologist.
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3 answers
mark vellucci
Licensed Professional Counselor
40
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
mark’s Answer
Hello Avery,
I believe that one thing that is very important for adults to understand about children's mental health is that it is the responsibility of the adults to teach children about what emotions are and the importance of being able to share them with those you know and love.
Healthy children usually come from stable, consistent, positive home environments, so it is important for adults to maintain their emotional well being. Showing children through example is a very effective teaching tool.
I hope this helps and wish the best in your pursuit of your career goals.
Mark V.
I believe that one thing that is very important for adults to understand about children's mental health is that it is the responsibility of the adults to teach children about what emotions are and the importance of being able to share them with those you know and love.
Healthy children usually come from stable, consistent, positive home environments, so it is important for adults to maintain their emotional well being. Showing children through example is a very effective teaching tool.
I hope this helps and wish the best in your pursuit of your career goals.
Mark V.
CHUNTING DONG
36
Answers
Updated
CHUNTING’s Answer
It's important for every adult to know that kids' feelings and thoughts are just as real and complicated as grown-ups'.
David Slay
community / clinical psychologist (retired)
29
Answers
Seal Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
All humans are born with the potential to grow and develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. As children naturally maturate, this potential will become actualized if, as they are growing and developing from infancy on, they are treated by those who raise them, care for them, and teach them with genuine interest, kindness, support, and respect.
Psychological growth and development--their mental health--can be compromised, of course, if they are neglected, mistreated, or abused. Mental health professionals who specialize in helping children overcome emotional and/or behavioral problems can be most effective by forming genuine non-possessive therapeutic relationships with them. Oftentimes this doesn't depend on talking, getting children to "talk about their problems," or by asking a lot of questions, or by trying to figure out what to say to be helpful. Especially for young children, and adolescents who may be uncomfortable relating to adults for other reasons, just being quietly receptive, being empathic and using reflective listening, will help get them in touch with their inherent potential for growth and development, including age-appropriate learning, understanding, and problem solving.
This isn't to say just being a good listener will solve all child mental health problems. A number of counseling and therapy approaches have been developed, for different kinds of problems and ages / developmental stages, but they will be effective to the extent that a positive, supportive, trusting relationship has been formed first.
Psychological growth and development--their mental health--can be compromised, of course, if they are neglected, mistreated, or abused. Mental health professionals who specialize in helping children overcome emotional and/or behavioral problems can be most effective by forming genuine non-possessive therapeutic relationships with them. Oftentimes this doesn't depend on talking, getting children to "talk about their problems," or by asking a lot of questions, or by trying to figure out what to say to be helpful. Especially for young children, and adolescents who may be uncomfortable relating to adults for other reasons, just being quietly receptive, being empathic and using reflective listening, will help get them in touch with their inherent potential for growth and development, including age-appropriate learning, understanding, and problem solving.
This isn't to say just being a good listener will solve all child mental health problems. A number of counseling and therapy approaches have been developed, for different kinds of problems and ages / developmental stages, but they will be effective to the extent that a positive, supportive, trusting relationship has been formed first.