For most parents, their child's physical needs seem obvious: good food, warm clothes when it's cold, bedtime at a reasonable hour. However, a child's mental and emotional needs may be harder for many parents to get a handle on. We know that for children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills and to make and maintain friendships, good mental health is a prerequisite. But what contributes to Good Mental Health? Certainly, the important adults in their lives are key to helping children develop self-confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life.

The "Basics" for a child's good mental health include a wide variety of things that we, as adults, control:

·         Unconditional love from family

·         The opportunity to play with other children

·         Encouraging teachers and supportive caretakers

·         Safe and secure surroundings

·         Appropriate guidance and discipline

Love, security and acceptance should be at the heart of family life.  Children need to know that your love does not depend on his or her accomplishments. Mistakes and/or defeats should be expected and accepted. Confidence grows in a home that is full of unconditional love and affection. It is also important to nurture a child's confidence and self-esteem. Praise them- encouraging a child's first steps or their ability to learn a new game helps them develop a desire to explore and learn about their surroundings. Allow children to explore and play in a safe area where they cannot get hurt.  Assure them by smiling and talking to them often. Be an active participant in their activities. Your attention helps build their self-confidence and self-esteem.  Here are a few specific things you can do:

•  Set Realistic Goals - Young children need realistic goals that match their ambitions with their abilities. With your help, older children can choose activities that test their abilities and increase their self-confidence.

•  Be Honest - Do not hide your failures from your children. It is important for them to know that we all make mistakes. It can be very reassuring to know that adults are not perfect.

• Avoid Sarcastic Remarks - If a child loses a game or fails a test, find out how he or she feels about the situation. Children may get discouraged and need a pep talk. Later, when they are ready, talk and offer assurance.

• Encourage children - To not only strive to do their best, but also to enjoy the process. Trying new activities teaches children about teamwork, self-esteem and new skills.

Your children and your family will benefit from providing the "minimum daily requirements" of everything your family needs.

Family Continuity's Therapeutic Home Care (THC) program is devoted to helping not just children with mental health needs, but as importantly, providing their families with training, support, mentoring, respite and other interventions to keep families together and make them stronger.

THC Director, Stephanie S. Magdis (shown right), and foster parents Gene and Linda Hebert (Linda shown left), attended the October 2010 New England Foster Care Association Conference in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Hundreds of foster parents and fellow providers attended workshops addressing topics such as: The importance of close connections between foster families and children's families of origin (bio, adopted, kinship, etc.); Approaches in supporting youth through challenges (ADD, Behavioral challenges, etc.); and fostering youth's life- long healthy connections with their family and community members. A welcome address was given by Massachusetts Department of Children and Families Commissioner Angelo McClain, and youth spoke with parents and providers, voicing their experience as children in foster care.

Family Continuity had an exhibit at the conference, sharing resources available to families throughout Massachusetts (i.e., mentoring, individual & family therapy, parent support, medication treatment, independent living, etc.) and educating participants about THC's Intensive Foster Care Program which provides therapeutic foster and respite care, as well as home-based services, to youth and families served by the Department of Mental Health.

Currently, THC is seeking loving families to provide foster and respite care to youth in the North Shore and Merrimack Valley. If you are interested in learning more about THC services, or would like to explore becoming a foster/respite parent with THC, please call Program Director, Stephanie Magdis - 978.927.9260.