Thankfully, we are living in a world where mental health issues are becoming less of a stigma, more people are opening up about their problems and seeking help. However, some people do not realize children face these mental health issues too and one of the worst things about it is that the children may not realise why they are feeling that way.

To help reduce the number of children suffering in silence, we've put together a list of easy things to nurture a child's mental health.

-Actively listen before offering advice

-Surround them with healthy adults

-Teach them how to be safe

-Use open-ended questions

-Model forgiveness

-Be present

-Be patient

-Have scheduled family time

-Respond calmly when their emotions are elevated

-Share your feelings and validate theirs

-Limit electronic time for everyone

-View their behaviour as a window to their needs and feelings

-Tell the truth

-Reach out and hug them

-Make play and exercise a requirement

-Model healthy behaviour

-Be consistent and follow through with what promise

-Believe them and in them

-Practise relaxation exercises together

-Recognise positive choices

-Set and respect boundaries

A child's mental health is just as important as an adult's and we need to ensure we do all we can to nurture it and help keep them healthy.