Early Childhood and Child Behaviour…. Because Child Mental Health Matters

A child learns with all kinds of 'experiences', and since most development happens at this stage their brain growth helps them to make meaning out of these experiences. A child also learns through play, so play is one of the best mediums for them to learn. They learn through their 'senses', so activation of all the senses i.e. touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste make an impact in terms of how they perceive things. Playing with clay, doing puzzles, singing rhymes, and playing outdoor games allows the child to develop physically and cognitively.

Any adverse or traumatic event at this stage is often stored as a memory, especially if the child does not have a safe place or person to go to or to resolve and work through the issue or the trauma. There is evidence now to show that adversity and stress can affect the child's developing brain and make some children more susceptible to stress-related disorders later in life. These disorders can impact their physical health, learning and education, employment and mental health issues.

How our children behave is part of child growth. It is very important to observe the child's behaviour as they are giving us signals of what we can do for them. Research has indicated that young children can experience a range of mental health issues like depression, anxiety disorders or anti-social behaviours that are normally considered adult behaviours. For example, Rima (name changed), four years old is a timid child. She does not talk to others and only responds when spoken to and often wets her bed. She does not like to play in a group and cries when anyone speaks in a loud voice. Upon talking to the parents, it was understood that she has repeatedly seen her parents fight verbally and physically in front of her.

Rima was given support by individual therapy to overcome her fear, as well as parental counselling, was conducted so that she has a conducive environment at home to grow positively. Therefore, a multifaceted approach needs to be taken for the proper growth and development of a child. This must include not only the individual (the child) but also the parents, schools and communities. Interventions need to be consistent, effective and nurturing at the same time for the healthy growth of the child. A child must have a reliable and safe place at home as well as at out-of-home care. With every little behaviour of theirs, they are telling you something about themselves. Observe your child closely, listen to them carefully, take away their fears and support their needs and moreover. It is of extreme importance to treat children with a lot of love.