Building Children’s Mental Resilience from the Best Families & Environments – In recent years, children’s mental health issues in Indonesia have become a serious concern. The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) has recorded an increase in cases of emotional abuse and psychological pressure on children, especially after the pandemic.
This situation highlights the importance of building mental resilience or resilience in children from an early age, as a foundation for facing the increasingly complex challenges of life. However, what exactly is the role of family and environment in fostering this resilience?
Children’s Mental Health is Important, Contribute Effectively to a Conducive Environment
1. A Safe and Inclusive School Environment to Foster a Positive Identity
School is a second home for children and plays an important role in their psychological growth. When schools are able to create a safe, enjoyable, and discrimination-free learning environment, children will feel accepted and comfortable expressing themselves.
According to Erik Erikson’s theory, school-age children are in the industry versus inferiority phase. At this stage, they need recognition and a sense of worth from their social environment. With an inclusive school that values diversity, children can grow and form a positive identity.
2. A Supportive Community Will Build Self-Confidence
Communities with healthy social networks can have a positive influence on children’s mental resilience. This is because children who are accustomed to interacting with friendly and supportive communities will feel more connected and accepted.
In addition, access to public services such as health clinics, school counseling, and child protection programs are also equally important. When children feel supported by their surroundings, they will find it easier to develop a healthy self-concept and confidence in facing social pressures.
3. Support from Parents and Family to Develop Emotional Intelligence
The family is the primary environment that first shapes a child’s personality. Therefore, support from parents is an important foundation for building resilience. For example, listening to a child’s complaints without judging them can help the child express their emotions well.
Children also need to be encouraged to engage in discussions to develop their problem-solving skills. In addition, instilling positive values from an early age is equally important so that children become responsible, independent, and empathetic.
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In fact, children’s mental resilience cannot be formed on its own, but is the result of interactions between children and their families, schools, and communities. Therefore, support from those around them is essential for children to grow into resilient, empathetic individuals who are ready to face the challenges of the times.