Mental Health in Elementary School

Have concerns for your child's mental health?

Here are some first steps you can take:

1. Talk with your child’s teacher. What is the child’s behavior like in school, daycare, or on the playground?

2. Talk with your child’s pediatrician. Describe the behavior, and report what you have observed and learned from talking with others.

*Ask for a referral to a mental health professional who has experience and expertise dealing with children. It is important that your child feels comfortable with the person they are talking to. If your child feels nervous, reach out to your school counselor, they can often serve as a stepping stone for a child to feel comfortable speaking with a "stranger".

Deep Breathing

People usually roll their eyes initially when they hear “breathing is important”. But I will continue to say it and explain why. It’s so simple, yet has such a big impact on your body’s physiology.

When you and calm and relaxed, your body is in “rest and digest” mode. You breathe normally, your heart rate is lower and your muscles are relaxed. However, when stress or anxiety or anger occurs, your body automatically switches into “flight, fight or freeze” mode. Your muscles tense up, your heart rate increases and your breathing becomes more shallow.

Taking deep breaths, instead of shallow breaths, is one way to tell your body to get back to resting and digesting. That’s why deep breathing is important!

Luckily, there are some fun ways to teach kids deep breathing techniques

Things to use

• Bubbles

• Feathers

• Pinwheels

• Stuffed animals

• Dandelions

• Deep breathing using shapes