CHILD MENTAL HEALTH & PARENTING

Understanding Child Mental Health and Parenting in Today’s World

Childhood is a foundational period of growth — not just physically but emotionally and psychologically. Mental health in children encompasses emotional well-being, social skills, cognitive development, and the ability to cope with stress and life challenges. However, modern pressures such as academic demands, digital distractions, family stress, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic have intensified concerns about children’s mental health worldwide.

The State of Child Mental Health

Research shows that a significant number of children and adolescents experience psychological distress or psychiatric disorders. In India, community and school-based studies suggest that around 6–24% of young people may be affected by psychiatric issues — ranging from anxiety and depression to behavioural and developmental disorders — yet many remain untreated or undiagnosed. PMC

Factors contributing to child mental health concerns include:

• Academic stress and societal expectations.
  
  

• Excessive screen time and digital dependency.
  
  

• Reduced social interaction and play opportunities.
  
  

• Family stress due to economic pressures or parental mental health.
  
  

• Lack of awareness and stigma around psychological support.
  
  

These challenges highlight the need for informed parenting, timely identification of symptoms, and supportive interventions that strengthen both the child and the family environment.

Parenting and Its Role in Child Mental Health

Parenting deeply influences how children develop emotionally and socially. Effective parenting fosters secure attachment, resilience, self-esteem, and healthy coping skills. Conversely, inconsistent discipline, poor communication, or high parental stress can exacerbate children’s emotional difficulties.

Key themes in positive parenting include:

• Emotional attunement — understanding and responding to a child’s feelings.
  
  

• Clear and consistent boundaries balanced with warmth.
  
  

• Encouraging autonomy while providing support.
  
  

• Open communication and listening without judgment.
  
  

Parenting is not just instinctive; it’s a learning process. Workshops, counselling, and informed guidance can equip caregivers with tools to navigate behaviour challenges, bolster emotional regulation, and strengthen parent-child relationships.

Profile: Dr. Savita Singh — Advocate for Mental Strength and Parenting Support

Background and Work

Dr. Savita Singh is a clinical psychologist and mental health consultant at SQUARE ONE CLINIC ,Dwarka , New Delhi. with more than two decades of experience in psychology and holistic mental health practice. 

Her professional work focuses on:

• Child and adolescent psychology
  
  

• Emotional well-being and coping strategies
  
  

• Family dynamics and parenting challenges
  
  

• Holistic approaches to mental health
  
  

Dr. Singh’s role spans clinical counselling, workshops, community talks, and educational webinars designed to raise awareness about mental health and equip families with practical strategies.

Contributions and Initiatives

Over the years, Dr. Singh has conducted public sessions and online webinars on topics such as mental strength during the COVID-19 pandemic — helping students and families build resilience amidst uncertainty. She delivered an interactive session titled “Achieving mental strength in times of COVID” for students of the Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, illustrating her commitment to youth mental well-being. 

She has also spoken on parenting in uncertain times, offering guidance to caregivers on managing stress and fostering healthy family environments in changing social contexts.

Approach and Impact

Dr. Singh blends evidence-based psychological methods with holistic insights, aiming to create supportive, non-judgmental spaces for individuals and families to grow psychologically. Her work emphasises:

• Strengthening mental resilience in children and adults.
  
  

• Supporting parents with tools to manage behaviour and emotional challenges.
  
  

• Encouraging community awareness about psychological well-being.
  
  

Her contributions extend beyond individual counselling — she helps destigmatise mental health care and advocates for accessible mental health education in schools and community settings.

Building Better Futures Through Awareness and Support

Prioritising child mental health requires collective effort — from parents, educators, clinicians, and policymakers. As professionals like Dr. Savita Singh highlight through their work, understanding emotional development, fostering nurturing family relationships, and seeking timely support are key steps toward healthier outcomes for children.

Supporting children’s psychological growth isn’t just about treating problems — it’s about creating environments where young minds can thrive with confidence, resilience, and emotional balance.