Early Childhood Mental Health

Mental health has been at the forefront of many people's minds as we continue to live in the midst of a pandemic. When we talk about mental health it is important to remember that mental health is not just an adult issue. In fact, we are beginning to hear more and more about concerns around childhood mental health. To help us learn more about early childhood mental health we reached out to Katie Zacharias, MA, LMFT, IMH-E, Supervisor of Early Childhood Mental Health at Canvas Health. 

What does it mean when we talk about childhood mental health? Zero to Three defines early childhood mental health as "the developing capacity of the child, birth to 5 years of age, to form close and secure adult and peer relationships; experience, manage and express a full range of emotions; and explore the environment and learn-all in the context of family, community and culture."

How does early childhood mental health differ from adult mental health? When we think about mental health we often think of things like depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety. It can be tempting to look for things in children that mirror these types of mental health issues in children. However, according to Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child, childhood mental health issues are more commonly seen as behavior problems or a child who has difficulty regulating their emotions. It is important to note that these can be sign of mental health issues but can also just be difference in normal development. According to Zacharias, childhood mental health must be viewed through the lens of relationships and how the child uses relationships to regulate their emotions and explore and learn. 

What does good childhood mental health look like? A mentally healthy child is a child who is curious and exploring their world. Zacharias also states, "“Good” mental health, though different for each child, starts with the safe and secure attachment to a caregiver(s). It is in this secure relationship; a child develops the skills for regulation which are the building blocks for good mental health." Children with "good" mental health are able to express and receive love and affection. They are also able to experience big emotions like anger and frustration and be able to calm with some help from adults in their lives.  

What are signs that there might be a concern about a child's mental health? Zacharias states, "again, I am looking at how this child is able to use adult caregivers for support in their regulation of emotions, behaviors, and attention. There is a broad spectrum of what may be considered developmentally appropriate. Mental health services may be helpful whenever we see a child’s skills for regulation fall outside of the developmental norm. Educators and childcare providers are excellent resources for parents in helping them understand when a child’s behaviors may be falling outside of the developmental norm."

What are the biggest risk factors to early childhood mental health? Mental health is a combination of genes and experiences. The Center on the Developing Child explains that there is an interplay between a child's genes and their experiences as they develop. Children who have adverse childhood experiences or toxic stress are at a greater risk for developing mental health problems. Zacahrias says, "We often say, “Too much stress, over too long of a time, with too little caregiver support.”

What are some things parents can do to help encourage healthy childhood mental health? According to Zacharias, becoming a "regulating partner" for your child is one step parents can take to encourage healthy childhood mental health. "A regulating partner is someone who can stay regulated in the face of their child’s dysregulation—a calm in the child’s emotional storm. When parents can support their child’s exploration, curiosity, and natural drive for learning, while also welcoming their child in when they are in need of nurturance and support. A parent who supports mental health is able to be (much of the time because none of us are perfect and we don’t need to be) “bigger, stronger, wiser, and kind.”"

What are other resources that can help parent's support their child's early childhood mental health? 

• https://zero-to-three-review.herokuapp.com/espanol/infant-and-early-childhood-mental-health
• https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/
• https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-early-childhood-mental-health/
• Wellspring Grant videos available under Parent Resources
• If you feel you or your child could use mental health support, you can contact https://www.canvashealth.org/