5 mental health tips for your baby
When should I start thinking about my child’s mental health?
Mental Health is such a relevant topic in 2022, and thankfully there is. more awareness and understanding around Mental Health than ever before. While it’s an important point of discussion for adults, Mental Health support and education is equally as important for our children.
You may be asking yourself:
“When should I start thinking about my child’s mental health”? Well, it would be fair to say it’s never too early and we should be mindful of all the factors that contribute to Mental Health from that special moment when we bring our new-born baby home for the very first time. The role we play as parents is pivotal as we strive to provide our children with the best life possible from the very beginning.
In those first weeks living “earthside” with their new family, your baby will look to you for love, reassurance, and safety. As helpless little humans, ensuring all their basic needs are met is the start of your baby learning that they are safe, protected, and loved. This is all they need to set them off on their journey through life with the foundation of self-worth.
5 tips to apply at home
To help you and your baby as you embark on this amazing, challenging, rewarding journey, we have compiled 5 simple tips for you to apply at home:
Take care of yourself! It may seem obvious, but as the parent it can be easy to overlook the basic fact that you need to take care of yourself first before you can provide the love and care your little one needs. Babies look to us as their parents for guidance and reassurance, even when we may not realise it, we are setting the example. Therefore, it’s important that our children see us exercising self-care which contributes to a healthy state of wellbeing.
Communication is key! We always hear about communication being one of the most important aspects in a relationship. Well, we hear this so often because it’s true! This is true for all relationships, and especially so with our children.
Keep calm and carry on. Mishaps happen. Whether it’s at work, at home, or out in public, we all make mistakes. We are all so very human! The really important part however, is how we respond in these moments. If you are stressed about something, or spill red wine on the carpet, try to remain calm. The behaviour we model in front of our children will be what shapes their behaviour as they learn and grow. Let’s see every mishap as an opportunity to equip them well to navigate the challenges that life throws up at all of us from time to time!
Play is the work of childhood. As adults, we work to provide our families with a roof over their heads, food in their tummies, an education, and a good quality of life. A child’s work however, is not that a desk – it’s with toys! That’s right – playing is learning about the world around them and using their imagination and helps a child’s brain develop in so many ways! Ensure your baby has plenty of playtime in their daily routine and engage with them at every opportunity. This helps them to be stimulated by all the new things in their world and teaches them that they are loved, and special, and important.
A little routine goes a long way. Just like we have routine in our days (wake up, get dressed, go to work, have lunch etc.), babies like routine too! This will help them to understand there is an element of structure and predictability to each day and fall into a rhythm. This contributes to a child’s sense of security, and it will help tenfold when it comes to school time too! Trust us!
Raising a baby isn’t easy, especially if it’s your first…and sometimes your second, or even your third!
Raising a baby is also life-changing, and wonderful, and challenging, and overwhelming, and amazing, so try to be kind to yourself. Take it day-by-day and breathe every now and then. You will get there, and so will your little one. If you’re having a tough day, maybe read back over these tips, and if you would like to chat about what we’ve discussed today, please reach out to our friendly team.
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Adelaide Paediatrics Ashford
Suite 15, Level 3 Ashford Specialist Centre
57-59 Anzac Highway
Ashford SA 5035T: 08 7123 6171
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Mark Oliphant Building
8/5 Laffer Drive
Bedford Park
SA 5042T: 08 7123 6149
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Adelaide Paediatrics Elizabeth Vale
32 Oldham Road
Elizabeth Vale
SA 5112T: 08 7123 6148
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Adelaide Paediatrics Kensington Park
360 Magill Road
Kensington Park SA 5068T: 08 7123 6176
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Adelaide Paediatrics Mile End
71 Henley Beach Road
Mile End SA 5031T: 08 7123 6147
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Adelaide Paediatrics Morphett Vale
221-223 Main South Road
Morphett Vale SA 5162T: 08 7123 6163
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Adelaide Paediatrics Mount Barker
2/50 Victoria Road
Mount Barker SA 5251T: 08 7123 6175
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Calvary Hospital
89 Strangways Terrace
North Adelaide SA 5006T: 08 7123 6173
F: 08 8239 9119 -
Adelaide Paediatrics Wayville
The Terraces
4-6 Goodwood Road
Wayville SA 5034T: 08 7123 6177
F: 08 7123 0821