1. Observe Behavior Changes: As children grow older, it is natural for them to experience changes. However, some of these changes might indicate that your child is suffering from mental distress. You should observe your child's behavior very closely and monitor any behavioral changes. These changes may include stepping back from usual activities or withdrawing from friends and family.

2. Express Your Love and Support: The best gift a parent can give to their child is love and care. Children feel safe at home when they know they can count on their support system, which is you. Therefore, it is your responsibility to provide them with a secure and judgment-free environment for the child.

3. Encourage open communication: Once you create a safe space for your child, it becomes easier for them to have open communication. Always check on them regularly and listen to their point of view without any judgment. This will build trust, and they will understand that their opinions are valued in their own home. For younger children, you can incorporate their decisions during playtime.

4. Maintain a Regular Routine: When the school year ends, it is very common for children to get out of routine and not follow a regular schedule. Going to preschool provides them with a sense of stability and discipline. In order to instill the same sense of discipline while they are on break, you can make small changes in their routines, like providing meals at a regular time, giving them playtime, or encouraging them to sleep before a certain time. This is important because children thrive on structure and consistency.

5. Provide Positive Feedback: During the early years, children may not be able to differentiate between positives and negatives and providing them with positive feedback often gives them a positive outlook on their life. Therefore, you must appreciate your child when they achieve or excel at something. This boosts their self-esteem and makes them feel good about themselves. This will encourage them to do good things. However, you also have to show love and compassion when they are not at their winning stages. They must feel valued and loved irrespective of their achievements.

6. Speak About Emotions Regularly: As discussed earlier, open communication is a great way to support your child's mental health. Since children do not know much about emotions, it is important to help them understand and regulate their feelings. Always talk about how you are feeling and encourage your toddler to talk about their feelings as well. If they are finding it difficult to understand their emotions, ask them to describe how they are feeling in detail and help them identify what emotions they are experiencing.

7. Seek Professional Help: As a parent, you should be able to identify if your child needs professional help. If you notice any oddities in your child's behavior, then you must seek professional help. You can also seek an expert opinion if you are feeling overwhelmed with your child's behavior or tantrums. Addressing mental health issues early can make a significant difference in your child's well-being.

Parents are the primary support system in a child's life, and your presence can bring a lot of positive changes to their development. Setting a good example for your child, communicating well, and showing empathy is an essential way to provide your child with good physical and mental health.