Mental and Emotional Health A major cause of childhood emotional difficulties.

What is a main cause of childhood Mental and Emotional Problems today? Emotional bullying is the most prevalent type of bullying, while pushing, shoving, tripping, and spitting on someone is second. Victims of bullying display a range of responses, even many years later, such as: Low self-esteem Difficulty in trusting others Lack of assertiveness Aggression Difficulty controlling anger Isolation

Lend an Ear Parents and teachers alike want to help their children learn and grow, but how can we do this to the best of our ability? A big problem with children's development today, is their inability to properly handle and express their emotions. Caregivers must teach children age-appropriate ways to deal with conflicts and anger, and even to protect young children from getting involved in violence.

Child Development Physical—changes in the appearance, proportions, and functioning of the child’s body; Cognitive—changes in how the child thinks, remembers, reasons, and understands; Social—changes in how the child relates to other people Emotional—changes in how the child feels and expresses the feelings. Understanding the development of a child will help guardians effectively teach them proper way do deal with violence and emotion. Knowing the characteristics and needs of children at different ages will allow you to: Better understand the reasons for the child’s behavior Have more realistic expectations and be less likely to become frustrated,worried, or angry about the child’s behavior Not ask the child to do something that he or she cannot do Respond to and influence the child’s behavior in ways that are appropriate to the individual child’s age and developmental level Avoid harmful physical and emotional actions that might occur when they, as adults, become angry or frustrated with a child’s difficult behavior Help the child meet his or her basic needs and have a healthy life protected from involvement in negative situations.

Senario for Ages 6-8 This is a difficult age for children. Not only are they fine tuning all of their skills, but they are also showing more responsibility and independence in both the home and school. What happens: “I don’t know when it all started, but lately Lila does not want to go to school anymore. She is 8, overweight, and shy. Recently she started to complain that kids at school have been tormenting her, making fun of her, and calling her names.” Problems such as bullying can stem from a child’s inability to express all of the emotions that they feel inside, thus leading to an act of violence whether it is physical or psychological. “People who were bullied as children are more likely to suffer from depression and low self esteem, well into adulthood, and the bullies themselves are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life.” -Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the NICHD

How to Help a Child Being Bullied. Help your child learn to express their emotions. Have thoughtful conversations with them concerning their problems and try to understand what is happening Teach your child that it is ok to ask for help and not to be afraid, while also teaching them to stay calm when bullies are around. Teach them not to fight back. Remember to pay close attention to your child. Look for changes in attitude, appetite, and demeanor.

How to Help a Bully Participate! Help the child find ways that are not violent to experience power and leadership. Talk,Talk, Talk! Establish consequences for bullying Model good behavior while always staying involved

Resources -bullying.html lications/act/teach_carefully.pdf