We live in one of the most exciting times in our world’s history. Weekly, if not daily, there are technological advancements that people in just the last generation only dreamed of. For all of these advancements, however, there are some drawbacks. The anonymity of a world online makes emotional health take a backseat as children are pushed to learn everything faster, bullying is easier than ever, and we’re the most isolated we’ve ever been.

Here are some practical tips on raising children that are emotionally healthy:

Communicate early and often

From the moment your children are brought into the world, you should begin communicating with them. In fact, some experts suggest starting this communication while they are still in the womb. They recommend reading to your baby and staying as relaxed as possible before birth. This can help your child recognise your voice, form a quicker bond with you, and potentially reduce their stress as they grow. Communicating with your child and reassuring them early on that everything will be OK may help prevent future feelings of anxiety.

Start chatting about everything before you’re ready

Did you know that toddlers as young as two are already learning how to play games on phones and tablets? Children today are exposed to a variety of things earlier than we were, including topics such as smoking, drugs, sex, violence, and more. You might not be ready to start talking to them about any of these things, but it’s important to instil in your children that they are loved, and that you will not judge them for their curiosity about any subject.

Answer questions that will inevitably come up honestly, and openly. Those things you don’t know the answers to, be honest about that too. Then, find those answers and discuss them as well. The sooner you open the lines of communication, the sooner they will know that home is a safe space to learn, question and discuss. And, it lessens the likelihood they will head to Google or some other search engine to get their own answers.

Instil strong self-esteem early on

By age 5, children have a sense of self-esteem comparable in strength to that of adults. It is because of this that instilling high self-esteem in our children as early as possible is critical.

Fostering healthy self-esteem and a positive self-concept among family members can make a real difference in how members view themselves and their ability to succeed in life. They went on to say that, “research shows that parents who guide the development of resilience factors in their children can help them learn to adapt and protect them from such destructive behaviours as drug abuse, underage drinking, and teen pregnancy.

As you start noticing your child’s strengths, you should start telling them what you feel they are excelling at. This could be something as simple as saying: “You’re so smart,” or “I love your finger painting,” or even: “You did such a good job putting away all your toys, I’m so proud of you.” Although these types of compliments may seem slightly trivial to the adult mind, letting our children know that we are proud of them, and love them as often as we can, could have a profound effect on their self-esteem as they age.

Be affectionate and give hugs

Be spontaneous and affectionate with your children. Your love plays a powerful role in building their self-esteem. Something as simple as a hug can make a meaningful difference.

Hugs trigger a wave of positive effects throughout the body, producing a natural high comparable to certain stimulants. Physical affection – especially hugging – can support brain function, benefit the heart, and improve systems in the body you might not expect. A hug can lift a person’s mood almost instantly, and over time, it may even contribute to long-term health benefits. Just one 10-second hug each day can spark biochemical and physiological changes that significantly enhance your overall well-being.

Monitor their feelings

The sad reality is that children often don’t want to tell us when something is wrong. When they are faced with a bully at school or online, many children direct their pain inwards, rather than speaking up.

Monitor your children’s feeling, and check-in with them regularly to ensure everything is OK. This is especially critical when they start hanging out online more frequently on social sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

The older they get, the less likely they are to open up about things going on online and otherwise. It is important to probe the answers out of them with questions like, “How was your day?” and “Did anything new happen?” Simple questions like these can open the door making a child feel like it’s okay to discuss anything that may be out of sorts. In other words, it all comes back to communication. Like I said in the beginning – talk early, and often.

Dr Nekeshia Hammond is a psychologist and an expert in ADHD and learning disabilities. Her book is titled “The Practical Guide to Raising Emotionally Healthy Children“.