Not having good mental as a parent or in the family in general can have lasting effects on the development of a child. Infants need a good secure attachment with their caregivers for good emotional devleopment to occur. With a secure attachment, infants learn about emotions and how to regulate them. It effects them mentally and physically. When an infant's caregiver is emotionally unstable or is mentally unstable, the infant picks up on this and in turn he/she's development is stunted. They may not grow as fast as other healthy infants and they will grow to be anxious toddlers. Infants cannot be spoiled with too much love. They need lots of love and attention for healthy cognitive growth that they will use later to learn in preschool and grade school. In my career Inhave seen the effects depression has on children. The children did not want to play and explore. Some did not want to eat. Children thrive on consistency and routine.
Okinawa Island, Japan is considered the healthiest place in the world. There are over 450 citizens over the age of 100. A healthy mind and a healthy body are huge contributors of this. Most of their residents eat only fruit and veggies and stay active. Good habits like these are passed to their children. Eating healthy with a diet rich in fruits and veggies has been shown to boost one's mood and keep depressive states away. Some studies have suggested that just he smell of a banana boosts one's mood. This is also true of exercise. I just think these findings are interesting and may keep us from taking pills which I believe are over prescribed.
Makin sure everyone in the family is me tally healthy gives children a great chance at being happy, healthy children and adults. The family is one unit when one is effected, all are effected.
Jalice,
ReplyDeleteI took your post to heart. It reminded me of a family member of mine who does not have the most mentally stable parents and I have seen how it has affected him throughout his childhood and now as an adult. However, with the support of mentally healthy adults that are around him he has changed his lifestyle.
Your post was extremely informative, and I also took notes on the importance of the eating habits and exercise.
In regards to Japan, I could see how the have mentally healthy adults. The eating lifestyle is different and the culture in while seems to be a lot more calm.
Great information.
Hello Jalice,
ReplyDeleteAn individual not having a sane parent or caregiver can be devastating and most certainly have an everlasting effect on their development. Parents and caregivers are usually the children’s first teacher; therefore, if the responsible person is not in sound mind, there is no way he/she will be able to give the child/children good emotional example and stability. The child or children will most likely need counseling to deal with what is taking place in the home and this cause the child/children to have more emotional (mental) problems.