Did you know October 10 is World Mental Health Day?, opens a new window Just as we teach children physical health skills like brushing their teeth, it's essential to teach them about mental health skills. By helping them learn to identify and understand their feelings, we equip them with the coping skills they need from a young age.
Learning to recognize feelings like anxiety, sadness and anger early on helps children feel more comfortable and confident talking about their emotions. This emotional literacy also allows them to communicate their needs more effectively and build healthier relationships. When children are aware of their feelings, they can learn healthy ways to manage difficult emotions, which can prevent unhealthy behaviors later in life.
Openly talking about mental health with children from a young age also helps reduce the stigma often associated with it. This also let kids know that it's okay to discuss their feelings with trusted adults.
For more information, check out these resources about mental heal in children from the Mayo Clinic, opens a new window, National Institue of Mental Health, opens a new window and the Center for Disease Control, opens a new window.
Books to help children understand their feelings.
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