||Child and mental health||

 

 

It is said that every child encounter is a divine appointment. A child coming into this world itself is a big dream for parents, and developing that child into a good human being is a lifetime task. To fulfill this task, the mental health of parents is equally important. I have read many books on how to develop a normal child with good speech and language development and also how parents can work with specially-abled kids. In both cases and when implementing them practically, I feel that in both situations, whether you are developing a normal or specially-abled child, the mental health of both parents is more important. A child comes into this universe with an empty brain, and the thought process of the brain is learned from the individual's environment, especially with the help of parents. If parents work with strong mental health and a positive attitude, the child also develops in a similar manner. It doesn't matter from which economic background the child comes. It is said that the basis of taking care of mental health is self-love, and parents need to instill this in their child from the time they are born.

 

The foundation of our existence in the universe is provided by the Almighty. He helps us come into this universe with a purpose. We are here much like tenants renting a house with the permission of our landlord, who is our Almighty. Just as landlords expect their tenants to take care of their property, keep it clean, and maintain hygiene, we are expected to do the same. We must pay rent on time, whether it's monthly, quarterly, or annually. If the landlord receives everything on time, we can stay comfortably. However, if the landlord is not satisfied with our commitment or receives a better offer, they may ask us to relocate, and we must find a new place. In such situations, we have no choice but to move. The fundamental principle here is to have faith in the Almighty and follow the purpose He has given us to lead our lives. Instilling this clarity in children is the first and most crucial aspect of our mental health. When parents pass on this understanding to their children, the growth of that child becomes unique.

 

I recall a recent conversation with my elder daughter, who resides in the USA. She has friends from various parts of the world, one of whom hails from an underdeveloped country where girls still lack the freedom to make choices and must adhere to certain responsibilities. This girl moved to a part of the world where freedom of thought and scientific progress are more prevalent, and she found it challenging to return to the restrictions of her home country. She developed a resistance to communicating with her mother, who was a single parent facing various mental and financial challenges. Despite working at a multinational company in the USA, her friend was grappling with emotional and mental health issues.

 

The best part here is that my daughter asked me, 'Mom, are these the issues today's girls are facing in undeveloped countries, and how did you teach me?' I did counsel her from my side, but what is the good thing that I can guide her so that she becomes mentally stable? After listening to all her conversation, I felt so nice. First, my daughter has developed the stability to help others, especially those who are very close to her. Second, she has developed the patience to listen to others in need. Third, she has kept an open mind and is trying to understand situations, striving to provide the best solutions to her friends to help them come out of difficult situations. Fourth, she has the confidence that my mother will help me find a solution, and she discussed with me as a friend. She also mentioned that I told my friend to pray, believe in God, and that God does exist, and they will sail through difficult times.

Listening to my daughter, first, I was very happy. In today's world, empathy, compassion, listening to others, and helping them in need will develop strong relationships among human beings. After listening to her conversation, I felt that her friend's mother was affected by mental health situations due to circumstances around her. She doesn't have the option to act according to the demands around her, and she can only act to resolve these issues with her loved ones, who are her daughter. So, I guided her to put herself in her mother's shoes and think about why she reacts like that. Later, instead of going against her, we need to help her resolve the situations. Understanding other people's difficulties makes our tasks more comfortable. Sometimes, a deep understanding of any problem helps us to relieve our own mental difficulties.

 

What mental health needs is more sunlight, candor, and positive conversation without being judgmental. In today's selfie world and being in the mobile and social media world, healthy conversations between parents and children, among couples, among friends and family members, among your employees, and between leaders and citizens of the country are crucial. While traveling on a recent flight in the USA, I observed that when you sit on a flight to travel, you don't have the option to think about the consequences; you just have to have faith in the pilot and the Almighty to get you to your destination. You don't have the option to select your seat or where you want to sit. You have to sit next to a person, no matter which part of the world they come from. You have no option; you need to sit and adjust.

 

If you are sitting on a flight, the food given to you is the same for everyone. You may choose between vegetarian, non-vegetarian, Asian, Jain, or many other options, but it doesn't matter how it tastes; you have to adjust. You may be sitting next to a person from any part of the world. If you need to get up from your window seat or middle seat, you have to request and thank the person for allowing you to take your place. Since you have limited space to sit, you have to adjust, regardless of how healthy that person is and how much space they occupy. I had difficulty opening a water bottle and tried my best, but I couldn't, so I had to ask another person for help. I think life becomes much easier when you don't have too many options. The most difficult task today's parents are facing is giving their children too many choices, especially when it comes to food, the use of iPads or TV, or other electronic media. It's also challenging when it comes to learning, as there are options to take shortcuts by following someone else's books or guides or having parents do the work for the kids.

Due to the scientific revolution and the fast-paced world, we have an abundance of options to complete tasks in limited time and enjoy various facilities. However, this doesn't allow children to develop strong mental health. They become dependent on gadgets, and as a result, they struggle to handle mental and emotional challenges. Nurturing a child's mental health is a challenging task, but it's manageable with deep understanding, a positive attitude, and analyzing situations from a child's perspective. In this demanding world, we need to learn how to implement these principles with the resources available, but these resources should be emotions and feelings rather than relying solely on scientific gadgets. I believe it's important for us to be open and think about these issues in today's world for the sake of our children and our better future.

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