Resources & Reads

Quick Reads & Great Resources!

This year, Mental Health America Recognizes with our 2022 Back to School Toolkit that our youth are having "All the Feels" as they enter the new school year. These resources look at the issues young people face that are having an impact on their mental health and offer tips on how to deal with these issues and the resulting emotions. The MHA toolkit can also help parents and school personnel better understand the issues, such as the effects of social media on youth mental health and how to be supportive.

Back to SchoolAdolescence is already a confusing time without added concerns about social media, safety in schools, staying healthy, family financial security, and loss of loved ones—so we shouldn't be surprised that the rates of anxiety, depression, suicide, and other mental health conditions are on the rise.

Anxious Stomach Aches and Headaches - Child Mind InstituteWhat does it mean when children get a lot of stomach aches and headaches, especially before school? They are often signs of anxiety, and children may need help managing it to make them go away.

School Success Kit for Kids With ADHD - Child Mind InstituteTools and strategies for children and teenagers with ADHD to help manage time, stay focused, and handle homework for success at school.

Tips for Helping Kids With Selective Mutism Go Back to School - Child Mind InstituteWhat to tell the teacher and how to ease kids back in. Tips for helping kids with selective mutism go back to school and thrive.

How Can We Help Kids With Self-Regulation? - Child Mind InstituteTips for helping kids improve their self-regulation skills when they need help to control emotions, handle frustration and resist impulsive behavior. Advice from experts.

When Kids Refuse to Go to School - Child Mind InstituteRecognize school refusal or a struggling student in your child. Child Mind Institute offers tips for parents on how to get kids back in class.

What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious - Child Mind InstituteHow to help a child with anxiety? We bring expert parenting advice on assisting children to escape the cycle of anxiety. Learn what to do and not to do, anxiety treatments, and behavioral modification techniques.

Teaching coping strategies is important! These are one of the most foundational social emotional skills that all kids and teens need to learn. Here are just a few of the benefits that teaching coping strategies can bring:

Teaches emotional management.
Encourages a positive way to express emotions.
Empowers kids and teens to make better choices.
Improves self-regulation and self-control.
Creates feelings of happiness and calm.
Serves as a tool to manage stress.
Improves confidence and independence.
Helps learners work through risks and challenges.
Improves behaviors and choices overall.

Resource: https://www.thepathway2success.com/coping-strategies/

It is just as important for you to demonstrate coping skills as it is for our children to learn them. The best way our children can learn is through modeling. Practicing coping skills with your child is a great way for them to learn and encourages them to use them to handle their big emotions!

MMHS Stay Calm Melting Down Parent Co-Regulation Guide.pdf

Printables & Graphics:

Token/Incentive Board

Printable Deep Breathing Shapes-pages-2-5.pdf

GratitudeBreath-1 (1).pdf

Speaking With Your Child About Recent School Violence

Children are exposed to current events happening around the world through social media, the internet, and many other digital avenues. As children are becoming more aware of events in the world due to this increasing digital exposure, it is important to have resources when you speak with your children.

Some tips to consider when having these conversations:

Use age appropriate, kid friendly language when giving facts.
Ask children what they know and what questions they may have.
Share your feelings, creating a safe space for your child to do the same.
Access the resources below and resources available at school and in the community.

Below are some helpful links to access when talking with your children regarding recent events.

The National Child Trauma Stress Network

Take an age-based approach to discussing news of school shootings with kids.

Talking to Your Kids About Natural Disasters, War, and Violence

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

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