The bonds that parents have with their children is an essential part of child development. It is usually the first relationship with an adult that teaches the children crucial social cues and behaviors required for their future relationships. More specifically, a good parental bond teaches children emotional stability as it helps them find their own stability during childhood.
Unfortunately, in the current decade, many children will experience some degree of mental illness during their development stage. From “mild” mental disorders such as anxiety to “severe” mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, children are highly likely to experience the mental disorders their parents battled with. For example, anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders most children may have to deal with. Genetics and stress are some causes of anxiety disorders. Another common disorder is depression. According to research, single mothers are more likely to experience postpartum depression and children are four times more likely to develop depression in their lifetime if one of their parents battled with it. Some causes of depression are trauma, genetics, and brain structure. Unfortunately, most of these causes for common mental disorders can be traced back to parental relationships.
Views Children Have of their Parents’ Mental Illness
Some parents tend to hide or not talk at all about their mental disorders to children. Although most of the time this is done to protect the children from harm, parents hiding or not talking about their mental illnesses to their children can lead to more harm than good. In cases like these, children often feel that they are the cause of mental health situationtheir parents are going through. In turn, this can cause feelings of depression in the children. On the other hand, some parents do not recognize or acknowledge that they may have a mental disorder. Not recognizing their situation may also lead to a worse situation for the children. Parents may not recognize the physical and emotional needs of children. They may also not be able to control their emotions and moods around their children, which can likely end up harming the children.
The Impacts on the Development of the Children
Newborn to five years old is considered the most fragile stage of development. The major brain development of children happens during this stage. Therefore, if the caregiver of a child is experiencing postpartum depression, for example, the child is highly vulnerable. Any negative mental impact in this stage may cause the child to become withdrawn and anxious. Additionally, family stresses happening these days such as social inequality, economic inequality, substance abuse, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity may be added factors that can negatively affect children. Particularly vulnerable are children living in poverty or other difficulties. Due to their family situation, some children may end up taking care of their ill parents or other family members which can hinder normal child development. The lack of security in their lives can lead to permanent triggers in children. Moreover, they are highly at risk of developing severe emotional problems.
Recommendations for Parents by Psychologists
Psychologists recommend for parents with mental disorders communicate to their children at an appropriate age about their mental illness and ensure the children that they are not the reason for the illness. Another recommendation is making sure the child has an adult they trust whom they can talk to and ask help from. Choosing a warmer parenting style is another recommendation. Psychologists recommend positive reinforcement techniques to aid with the parenting style. Additionally, having a supportive circle of people who can help the parents at times can greatly improve the mental health of their children and help them learn key social skills. Sadly, many children are stripped of their rights to a normal childhood with good parents who care about their wellbeing. Here, once again, we, as a society, fail to protect the generations of tomorrow.