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Implications
Parents' mental health problems can have a profound impact on their children. This influence is not only felt during childhood but also hinders the children's future development. Moreover, it is not merely confined to internal family conflicts but also places children at a disadvantage in the broader social environment. These issues can affect children's mental health, cognitive development, and learning engagement. For educators, it is crucial to understand the problems brought about by these influences. People should be able to identify these needs and respond with support.
What does this look like in the classroom?
Engagement
When children are studying, they may have difficulty concentrating. In the classroom, this is manifested as inattentiveness, distraction, and low participation. This will reduce the students' learning ability. This is not usually due to a lack of ability but is caused by stress or emotional exhaustion.
Performance
Learning disabilities can cause significant instability in students' academic performance. This results in substantial fluctuations in students' grades over a short period of time. Students may show irregular school results or new learning gaps, especially when they struggle to meet course requirements.
Behaviour in the classroom
Parents' mental health issues can also be reflected in students' behavior in the classroom. Some students may display destructive behaviors or emotional outbursts, while others may withdraw or appear distracted. These behaviors are generally reactions to stress rather than intentionally inappropriate actions.
Impact on children’s development
Emotional development
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Reduced emotional security due to unpredictable caregiving responses
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Difficulties with emotional regulation and managing stress
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Increased anxiety or emotional instability
Cognitive development
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Reduced attention and concentration capacity
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Impaired executive functioning (e.g. planning, focus, self-control)
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Lower learning readiness due to prolonged stress exposure
Social development
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Disrupted attachment relationships with caregivers
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Reduced trust and confidence in relationships
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Difficulties forming and maintaining peer interactions
