Children seem to be free and happy. They don’t have to go to work, pay bills, cook and deal with the things that normal adults do.
Yet, deep inside children do worry and it results in stress. They worry about fitting in at school, dealing with homework, succeeding in athletics, and so much more. They can also struggle with issues at home like divorce, and can get affected by tragedies on the news.
It is estimated that about 15 percent of children and teens are depressed. It is crucial not to just focus on helping them succeed, but to help them be happy as well.
are tips to ensure you child grows up in a healthy environment and is happy.
9 essentials for happy children are tips to ensure you child grows up in a healthy environment and is happy.
1. Eating healthy:
Heavily processed diets are one of the main causes of mood swings and depression in children. Serotonin, the hormone responsible for mood control, depression, and aggression, is actually found most in the intestines, not the brain. This is why it is important that they stay away from highly processed foods that can damage the intestine and lead to negative effects on their moods. The easiest way to ensure that their diet affects them positively is by giving them whole foods, free of pesticides and additives like nature intended it to be.
2. Eating on time:
“If a child goes too long without eating, it may lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels that lead to irritability,” states Dr. Joseph Mercola. Children need to refuel their bodies on a set schedule to stay happy, so consistency is key.
3. Good sleep:
When kids do not get enough sleep, it can lead to mood swings, and may also impact their behavior and attention. As little as 27 extra minutes of sleep a night has shown positive effects on the behavior and mood of children. Children aged 5 to 12 need about 10-11 hours of sleep a night for optimal mood and health, Dr. Mercola states.” To help your child get a good night’s sleep, get the TV, computer, video games and cell phone out of your child’s bedroom, and be sure the room is as dark as possible.” Even the least bit of light can affect a child’s sleep.
4. Free play:
Unstructured play for kids is important for building imagination and relieving stress. Nowadays, kids can be so busy that they barely have time for their responsibilities, let alone playing. Try to resist the desire to sign up your kids for too many activities, and give them simple toys like building blocks to stimulate their imagination. Free play is also a good time for active play, like tag, catch, biking, and more.
5. Express emotions:
Kids need to express their emotions. Keeping emotions bottled up is not just bad for adults, but for kids as well. Allow your children to express their emotions in healthy ways, and it will help them greatly in the future.
6. Make decisions:
Kids are told every day what to do, so letting them making their own decisions can really help them emotionally. “Try letting your child decide what to wear or what to eat (within reason), or give her a few choices for activities and let her decide which one to do,” suggests Dr. Mercola.
7. Feel heard:
Kids know when you are not listening to them. Make sure to give them your undivided attention when they are talking to you. It will help you bond with your child, and will also help their confidence greatly.
8. Unconditional love:
This may be the most important thing of all. Kids will make mistakes, and they need to know that they are still loved and supported, even when they mess up. They will grow up happy and confident if they know that you have their back.
9. Be happy:
If you are unhappy and stressed, it often can spread to the people who are around you. This includes your children. You are your child’s biggest role model, so make sure to set the right example for them, and introduce them to the happy side of life.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. Mercola, Joseph, DO. “9 Secrets of Highly Happy Children.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 5 Sept. 2013. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.
2. Heller, Kalman, Ph.D. “Depression in Teens and Children.” PsychCentral.com. Psych Central, 2012. Web. 09 Sept. 2013.
