Dad’s guide to kids mental health

Ever heard of “daddy issues”? This term refers to difficulties in forming relationships, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, and trust issues. This is often caused by absent fathers or emotionally unavailable ones. A child may have a physically present father but still feel emotionally disconnected.

Are you wondering whether you’re doing enough to protect your child’s well-being? Are you looking for ways to bond with them? If so, this guide is for you.

Understanding Mental Health and Healthy Relationships

First of all, one has to understand what mental health is. One also has to understand what a healthy relationship is like. This is because the two go hand in hand. Mental health, according to WHO, is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, work well, and contribute to their community. When you understand this, it is a great first step towards a successful relationship with your child.

Creating a Safe Emotional Space

The next step is to create a safe emotional space. This is done by encouraging honest and open communication, being present, and making kids feel heard and validated without judgment. Whenever your kids approach you with a certain issue, listen to them and do not make a big fuss about it.

You can healthily express your discontent without making them feel like they detonated a bomb. Spend quality time with them—not a long time, but quality time. Mark the difference.

Recognizing Nonverbal Signs of Struggle

Pay attention to subtle cues like withdrawal, declining academic performance, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes. Address these signs promptly but with sensitivity, ensuring your child feels supported rather than confronted.

Encouraging Healthy Coping Strategies

Once you have assessed and realised the signs of mental struggle, the next step is to find healthy coping strategies. Coping strategies like mindfulness, breathing exercises, working out, or doing a creative hobby can go a long way in helping your child manage their mental health. Helping along by doing these exercises with them can help them follow through.

Seeking Professional Help When Needed

There’s only so much you can do as a parent(s). Seeking professional guidance can offer crucial insights into your child’s mental health and strategies for better support. Therapy or counseling should never be stigmatized—it’s a proactive approach to emotional well-being.

Fathers play a vital role in shaping a child’s emotional health. By being present, fostering trust, and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms, dads can help their children thrive mentally and emotionally.