Over the past two years, I have noticed a few things. These things may affect the children’s functioning, development and social interaction. If parents, teachers and children could work together to develop and alleviate some of these findings and stressors, I believe there could be an environment filled with mental health in the school.
The first two things are attention and awareness. It would be very helpful if parents could be aware of the homework children are getting. If they could try to set some time aside to assist the children with their homework, this could help the parents be aware of the children’s struggles, development and their learning styles. Parents could be aware of how children learn, how they commit information to memory and how they progress with their work.
The next thing is discipline. Each child is different. They may have their own style of interpreting emotions, understanding the world, processing stressors and responding to punishment. Of course, punishment is just as important as reinforcement. That is why it is crucial for us to develop or understand the appropriate style of punishment and reinforcement for the child. Is it time out? Is it being grounded? Is it taking something away? What works for one child may not work the same way for another child. When a child has done something wrong, it is important for them to know:
- What they’ve done wrong
- Why that is wrong
- An appropriate alternative for said wrong action.
Self-esteem affects how we see ourselves, how we feel about ourselves and how we perceive? the world around us. Therefore, it is important for parents to reinforce their children’s good qualities, body features, actions and responses to the world around them. Not all children understand what is happening to their bodies; therefore, it is crucial for parents to help children understand the changes that occur in their bodies. Let them not be confused alone. Let them understand that growth and development is a part of life. They are just like other children, in terms of development; they should feel comfortable to ask or talk about it with their parents.
Communication is one of the important values we can instil in most of our relationships, whether it is at work, at home, at school or within our social circles. So who are your children’s friends? What kind of language do they use when they are around each other? Do they share the same values that you instil at home, in your children? What social sites are your children using? Are these social sites safe? What goes on in that social site? What is happening in the current society that could affect the children? These are some ways to stay connected to the children and assist in their safety.
The way adults and parents interact and communicate with children affects their view of the world. It affects how they communicate and how they understand respect. Are the things we tell children beneficial to their daily functioning? Will they benefit the children’s development? How will it affect them at school? How will it affect how they interact with other children? There are things that children should worry about, and there are things children should not worry about.
With acknowledgement and understanding of attention, awareness, discipline, self-esteem and communication, I believe the school and social environment will be a better place for the children and their development.