A child's mental health has a tremendous bearing on social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children need good mental health in order to think clearly, develop socially, and learn new skills. Positive mental health, beginning at birth, is essential in allowing children to live up to their full potential. Here are ten ways you can help improve a child's mental health:

1. Build their confidence and self-esteem
2. Provide unconditional love
3. Provide appropriate discipline and rules
4. Encourage physical activity and playtime
5. Be encouraging and supportive
6. Establish trust
7. Be compassionate and understanding
8. Provide a safe and secure environment
9. Provide a balanced diet
10. Encourage interaction with others their age

FLAEYC provides professional development to help child care professionals integrate positive mental health into a child's environment. Check out the following courses and help equip a child with the tools needed for social, emotional, and cognitive well-being:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (.1 CEU/1 Hour)
• Helping Children Cope with Grief (.2 CEU/2 Hours)
• Stress in Young Children (.2 CEU/2 Hours)
• Stages of Cognitive Development in Infants (.1 CEU/1 Hour)
• Stages of Cognitive Development in Preschoolers (.1 CEU/1 Hour)
• Stages of Cognitive Development in Toddlers (.1 CEU/1 Hour)
• Stages of Social and Emotional Development in Infants (.1 CEU/1 Hour)
• Stages of Social and Emotional Development in Preschoolers (.1 CEU/1 Hour)
• Stages of Social and Emotional Development in Toddlers (.1 CEU/1 Hour)