When assessing the risk a preschool-age child faces, there are many variables to consider, including whether their environment is safe and their proper care.
However, one thing stands out as a much greater threat: certain mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder.
These disorders can manifest themselves in drastically different ways and can negatively affect the entire family; this makes it an important area of concern for parents to monitor.
It is imperative for parents of young children, who are still developing neuropsychological skills like self-awareness and understanding, to be cautious about what they expose them to.
Preschool-aged children can sense the tension in the room and feel the anger or depression that a parent is experiencing. These feelings are most likely going to cause them to have anxiety and can have long-reaching effects on their personal development.
The key here is to lessen the pressure and stress levels in the home environment and make sure that any mental health issues present themselves in front of your child appropriately.
While it may be difficult, parents need to talk these issues out with other caregivers and each other, as this allows them to address problems before they become too big of a burden. The biggest pitfall of mental health disorders is allowing them to get out of hand.
What Is The Greatest Risk To Preschooler’s Health?
Childhood Obesity:
About 62% of U.S. children are overweight or obese, which impacts mental health and results in behavioral problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Preschoolers are especially prone to becoming overweight due to the abnormal sugar and fat consumption increase due to “treats” at birthday parties.
Parents can encourage their children to eat healthy foods by providing healthy options alongside unhealthy ones, such as vegetables and fruit, rather than feeding them sugary beverage options at all times.
By keeping a close eye on your child’s food intake, you can make sure that they are nourishing their bodies with the proper nutrients they need.
Not Doing Regular Exercise:
Engaging in gentle physical activity is extremely beneficial for preschoolers. It releases endorphins, increases energy levels, reduces stress, and improves cognitive function.
Parents can help preschoolers by offering them opportunities to play, such as an excursion to the park. However, parents are advised not to push their children too far and make sure they keep track of how much time they exercise.
Mental Health Disorders:
The symptoms of most mental health disorders in children, including depression and bipolar disorder, give very few warning signs in the early stages of the condition. Most young children will meet two key criteria for depression: negative mood and lowered self-esteem.
Depressed preschoolers need treatment resources like counseling or medication, but many parents mistake being tired or irritable as a sign that all is well with their child’s mental health.
Children in preschool and young elementary school years aren’t old enough to understand the concept of mental illness and the very real dangers these disorders can cause. The main goal for parents is to instill safe habits that can keep these disorders at bay.
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