Psychological health is a relatively new concept to parenting. For example, victims of sustained bullying may develop a range of depressive disorders which has been known to escalate to suicide. This aspect of parenting is, for very good reasons, gaining increased attention.

As dads, we must make sure we build our kids confidence and self esteem. Here are some simple guidelines:

1. Kids must feel that they are valued and loved. Too often dads can’t express their feelings. It’s one thing to say it, but we must make sure our actions reflect unconditional love.
2. Build self confidence and self esteem. Dads must show how they believe in their children. Like all of us, we need proof. Praise and encouragement received in our formative years (2 to 7 years of age) become the platform of our kids’ self confidence and self esteem.
3. Avoid perfection. Our competitive world puts a lot of pressure on all of us to reach that perfect state of nirvana. By now you’ve probably realised that nirvana rarely arrives. Kids need to be able to face their vulnerabilities and failures  constructively and with ease. You have to talk and walk them through that. TIP: Expose some of your weaknesses; let them know it’s OK to fail.
4. Be grateful for what we have. There will always be people who are better off than us and those who are worse off than us. Kids should be aware of their good fortunes such as home, love and good friends (not just car, computer game etc..)

If you suspect something is wrong, make sure you act. Be aware that your child may wish to suppress any concerns from you, so a couple of chats may prove unsatisfactory.  You may need get some professional advice.

Find out about getting help from:

www.beyondblue.com.au

www.lifeline.org.au

www.headspace.org.au

www.parentline.com.au

www.reachout.com.au

There may come a time when the following comes in handy:

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Desiderata