Each kid is a musical instrument – said Rufold Stenar once in a presentation ceremony. It gives music according to the way we play the instrument. Kids are born fulfilling the dreams of their parents. So, they treat them well giving proper care and love. But unfortunately, such carings end very soon at the age of 4 or 5. But truth is that we need to care them at each phase of their growth. A kid is said to be healthy only if he is healthy, physically and mentally.

Family atmosphere influences a lot in the mental development of a kid. Both physical and mental growths are deeply related to each other. It’s applicable both in the cases of boys and girls. But society always keeps a double standard, giving more preference to boys than girls. Actually, kids learn such lessons from their family itself. When he observes that his family members treat girl child and boy child in different ways, he implements those lessons in his life too. Such ill treatments can adversely affect the mental development of a girl kid too. 

Brain growth rate is high from the time of birth till he reaches three. Till he reaches six, brain growth rate is a little slow. Again it deteriorates till it reaches zero when he becomes 15 or 16. If less talented kids are given more consideration at this age, their brain development rate improves considerably. For that, the kid should be able to communicate with external world and society.

Let them sleep well

Sleep plays an important role in brain growth and development. That’s the reason why it’s told kids should sleep more hours than adults. Sleeping hours and deep sleep – both are equally important. When a kid is awake, he gets stimulus from external world and brain development according to those stimuli is happening most when he is in deep sleep. A kid of 5-6 years should sleep at least 10 hours. A kid of 15 years old should sleep at least 8 hours. If he doesn’t get enough sleep, it may affect his studies, concentration and may cause digestive problems too.

Breakfast and nutrition – the most important factors

Good food is equally important as good sleep for brain development. Factors like iron, zinc, minerals, omega 3 fatty acids most needed for brain growth and development are acquired by body through food intake. Studies have proved that those kids who give less importance to breakfast shows bad behaviour, loss of concentration and less memory power comparing those kids who have regular breakfast. Since they lack concentration and good memory, they become bad in their studies.

If fiber content food is taken low it may lead to constipation. If complete food is not taken at the growing stage, kids may suffer from anemia and several deficiency problems. As fast food and junk food have replaced fruits, vegetables and tubers now, kids are not getting nutritious food as before, which adversely affects their mental development too. Such deficiencies may also lead to excess anger and irritability too.

Both rest and play are needed

Arranging a tight schedule for your kid without rest or games can adversely affect his mental development. This may lead to depression, tensions, anxiety and many mental problems. Kids should play at least 1-2 hours a day. If you keep your kids away from sunlight, rickets may affect your kid due to the deficiency of vitamin D.

TV and kids

New studies say that there is a relation between A.D.H.D and television. Fast moving and disappearing scenes on screen affect both his brain and eyes. Frontal lobe of brain helps us to develop concentration. They work on the basis of stimuli reaching the frontal lobe. When stimuli changes suddenly it affects the development of frontal lobe as less effort is taken by the kid to learn something. It may lead to lack of concentration later. When a kid learns through mingling with family and society, it takes more effort which helps in the development of brain more easily. Such kids may show talk impediment and defective language. He may struggle with words while communicating with others. It may lead to autistic behaviour of kids. So, reduce television as much as possible and spend more time with your kids. Reduce TV watching and computer games to one hour and never allow a kid below 3 years to watch television. Such bad habits may lead to obesity as well, at early ages itself. 

Kid should watch television along with his parents and never place television or computer inside your bedroom. Television can directly influence their character and behaviour a lot. Very often, they may imitate what they see in television. Ghost stories and adventurous experiments are such examples.    

Mental problems in kids

Mental problems in kids can be categorized into three – behavioral problems, brain development problems and emotional problems. O.D.D, A.D.H.D and conduct disorder are the most common behavioral problems in kids. Anxiety and depression are most common emotional problems. Autism, learning defects and IQ problems fall under brain development problems. Though such defects may occur with the birth of the kid condition worsens further if he is not given enough consideration. i.e. the surroundings where he grow can deeply influence such behaviours. 

A.D.H.D – It’s a stage where brain can’t control behaviour of a person and such kids show extra mischief and are always naughty. It’s most seen in boys and begins before seven years old. Restlessness, loss of patience, missing things, less discipline at school and home, can’t remain in the same place for a long time etc are the common symptoms. 

O.D.D – It’s a simple form of conduct disorder. A depression or sad feeling always, less discipline, less obeying, disturbing others always, using harsh words and showing anger easily, revenge nature etc are its common symptoms. Such behaviours are common in all kids, in mild ways. But when it reaches an extreme stage it can be named O.D.D. It may affect his studies and also his life in future. 

Character defects – When conduct disorder leaves its limit, it reaches this stage. Telling lies, stealing things, less obedient and showing violent nature are its common symptoms. If such kids are not treated properly they may slide into bad habits like drinking, drug addiction etc more easily. Such kids may turn to thieves in future.

Depression – It was a myth that depression is not seen in kids. Now depression can be seen in a kid of even 6 years. Yet, it’s rare in kids below 12 years. Sleeplessness, loss of appetite, sadness, less interest in studies, less mingling with friends and relatives, anger, memory loss, always in a gloomy mood and tendency to leave home are the common symptoms of depression. If such conditions stay for a prolonged period, it needs treatment.

Anxiety – Kids show anxiety during exams and competitions, it’s common. But if he is seen in tension always, it’s a bit serious. Restlessness, over fear, lack of confidence, sudden drift of character to depression or gloomy mood and showing less interest in everything around are its common symptoms. Sometimes vomiting, stomach pain and dizziness are also associated with this disorder.

Separation anxiety disorder – It’s most common in small kids when they got separated from their parents. Such symptoms may be shown by kids when are send to school or nursery for the first time. Kids who depend on their mothers always, even for simple things show this disorder most. A three-year old kid may feel difficulty in separating from his mother. So, it’s better to give him practice by allowing him to stay at any relative’s house for a short time away from his mother. It’s not a worrying disorder and it dissolves when the kid begins to adjust with the new environment and new friends.

Never hesitate to seek treatment

When your kid reaches 1.5 years, assure that your kid mingle with others without difficulty. He should know each and every milestone of his growing stage, as he passes through each phase. Though small deviations are possible, if you have any doubt consult a doctor immediately. Find a lot of time to spend with your kid. Caring, love and affection show fast results than medicines. Talking to them a lot, showing nice and colourful pictures and telling small stories can improve his mental status a lot. Always remember that brain will develop properly only if it is induced by stimuli produced by all the five senses. 

Parents – for your notice

Proper care and good food is needed at proper time so that your kid’s brain functions and develops in right mode. More care should be given at childhood stage itself. Let me give you a few simple tips.

• Encourage your kid’s talent as much as possible.
• Avoid sticks for punishment. Instead make him understand with love.
• Never blame kids for silly mistakes. Instead try to correct them.
• Act as if you are angry. But never show it.
• Ignore small mischiefs. When he finds that no one is noticing them, he will leave those bad habits.
• Some kids have a habit to cry if they want something. Just ignore such pretensions.
• When a kid behaves well or hears your words, buy him gifts. It prompts him to repeat same things again. You can express your love and appreciation during such occasions.
• Never hide your love. Instead show it. Let him learn first lessons of love and affection from his parents itself.
• Never over control him or put forward extra discipline ideas. Your kid will move away from you.
• Behave well at home so that your kids learn good things from you. He learns everything first from his family than from his school.
• Clear doubts of your kids. They may appear childish. Yet, instead of ridiculing them give serious and satisfying answers. Give answers most suited for his age.
• Maintain proper communication with your kids so that they see friends in you, than parents. Ask them about daily activities and funny incidents at school.
• Maintain a good and healthy family condition and be role models for your kids. If you are not implementing good habits in your life, how can you expect the same from your kids?