As parents, we all aspire to see our children grow into successful, resilient, and happy individuals. An often overlooked, but crucial element in this journey, is the mental health of our children. Not only does it play a pivotal role in their overall well-being, but it also significantly impacts their ability to take risks, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities: it is at the heart of their independence. In this context, fostering a habit of excellence in our children is deeply connected with their mental resilience and adaptability.
Understanding the Link Between Mental Health and Risk-Taking
Mental health in children is not merely the absence of mental disorders. It encompasses their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This state of well-being enables children to realise their potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and importantly to contribute to their community. This last point takes on an even greater significance when we remember that we are educating our future leaders of tomorrow.
In the realm of child development, a robust mental health framework is essential for risk-taking. Taking risks, particularly those that involve facing new challenges or opportunities that may initially seem unappealing, is vital for growth. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology suggests that children with positive mental health are more likely to engage in healthy risk-taking, which is essential for their development (personal and academic) and learning.
The Power of Challenge and Taking ‘Unappetising’ Opportunities
Encountering and overcoming challenges is a crucial part of developing resilience. Resilience, in turn, is linked to mental health. A child who is mentally healthy is more likely to view challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. This perspective is critical in developing what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a “growth mindset” - the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Embracing challenge is a key part of this mindset.
Moreover, ‘unappetising’ opportunities often push children out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to adapt and develop new skills. This process is crucial in establishing a habit of excellence. Children who regularly engage with such opportunities learn to associate effort and perseverance with success, fostering a lifelong habit of striving for excellence.
Academic, Social, and Professional Success
The benefits of a strong mental health foundation extend into various domains of life. Research has consistently shown that students who can adapt to challenges and view them as opportunities for growth tend to perform better academically. For instance, a study in the American Educational Research Journal found that students with a strong ‘growth mindset’ were more likely to persevere through academic challenges and achieve higher grades.
Socially, children with effective mental health are more able to form and maintain healthy relationships. They are better equipped to communicate, empathise, and collaborate - skills that are increasingly valued in the modern world.
Professionally, the ability to take on challenges and adapt to changing circumstances is highly sought after. Employers often state that adaptability, resilience, and the ability to learn from failure as key attributes in employees. These are all traits that are rooted in a healthy mental state during childhood and their school years.
At Academic Asia we understand the factors that can inspire and drive a student to achieve bigger and better things: our curriculum and the relationships that we build with our students are rooted in this experience and these beliefs.
How can we work together to create the very best possible environment for future growth for your children?
Practical Tips for Parents
1. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Reinforce the idea that ability and intelligence can be developed. Praise effort and perseverance over innate talent.
2. Model Resilience
Children learn a lot by observing, and children observe and emulate adults more than anyone else when they are young and forming their sense of ‘self-identity’. By handling your challenges positively, you set an example for your children to emulate.
3. Open Communication
Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their fears and failures. Listen actively and offer support and a place for them to reflect openly on the way forward without solving all of their problems for them.
4. Provide Opportunities for Safe Risk-Taking
Encourage your child to try new activities, even those they might initially resist. This could range from new sports to intellectual pursuits and even involvement in the community, such as charitable work or helping others who are vulnerable.