The Weight of Labels: How They Impact a Child's Mental Health

Dr Megha Desai Shah, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, Ahmedabad

I want to highlight a very important behaviour which we as a society have adapted so easily and practice so often without even realising a lasting effect on someone’s mental health. Labels..!!! Yes, labels; fat/ thin, tall/short, “you are stupid”, “your child is so naughty”, “your child is so rude” and so many more. Aren’t we all doing this to ourselves and others?

As a child psychiatrist, I've witnessed firsthand the profound influence that labels can have on a child's development and well-being. Labels, whether they stem from diagnostic categories or societal perceptions, carry significant weight in shaping how a child sees themselves and how others perceive them. 

In this blog post, I aim to explore the impact of labels on children's mental health and the importance of mindful language in promoting positive outcomes.

What are labels?

Children are growing, developing and learning about the world and themselves. Child will learn and create perception from what they hear and see. Parents (also caregivers and adults) easily label children without consciously realising it. We usually use various labels using adjectives to describe a child’s character, behaviour or appearance.

For example, “He is too shy. She is bossy. He is a natural-born artist. She always cries. She can’t do this.” 

Labels are often used to categorise and describe certain behaviours, traits, or conditions in children. While they can provide a framework for understanding and treatment, they can also carry stigma and stereotypes. 

It's all about PERCEPTION..!!

How children are labeled can significantly influence their self-esteem and sense of identity. For instance, a child labeled as "gifted" may feel pressure to excel academically, while a child labeled as "troubled" may internalize feelings of shame and inadequacy. These perceptions can shape their beliefs about themselves and their capabilities.

Choosing the right words..

It is difficult to not use labels when we are describing or talking about children. One should be aware of negative impact it might have on the child or a parent. and try to be mindful about choosing the right language or words. Let's understand how to reframe a possible label:

Instead of labeling a child as “a kind child” or “a helpful person” we can try to say “you are being kind” or “he was very helpful.”

Instead of saying “you are shy” or “don’t be shy,” try statements such as, “it takes a little while for you to feel comfortable with new people,” or “you are talkative with people you know well.”

Instead of saying "ugh, you are so picky!" say, "that's okay if you don't want to try it this time."

In conclusion, the impact of labels on a child's mental health cannot be overstated. As professionals and caregivers, we must recognize the power of language in shaping children's perceptions of themselves and others. By adopting a strengths-based approach and fostering inclusive environments, we can empower children to thrive beyond their labels and fulfill their potential.