Supporting Children's Mental Health

A Parent is the #1 Shield

Even though these experiences can be very difficult for a child, the good news is that a parent can help protect their child. In fact, a parent is the #1 shield against the effects of childhood toxic stress.

A Parent is the #1 Shield
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Supporting Emotional Health

We care for our children’s wellbeing and happiness. Our children’s health and development is our priority and we support them by doing things like: providing basic needs, supporting their schoolwork and teaching them life skills.

Support Emotional Health Flyer
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Resilience

Early childhood education providers play an important role in the development of young children and are often a significant source of support during times of adversity. Below are several strategies that early care providers can use to help children develop resilience.

Resilience Brochure
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Types of Strengths

Personal strengths include inner qualities that are developed at a very early age. Caregivers can help children strengthen these qualities so that they can go on to develop important skills and competencies in areas that interest the child. Recognizing these strengths is an important first step for caregivers to take.

Types of Strength Flyer
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Types of Toxic Stress

Depression

Everyone feels sad or blue once in a while, but when those sad feelings don’t seem to go away or keep coming back, it could be depression. Depression is a common but serious problem that can affect a person’s daily life. The good news is that most people who experience depression get better with treatment.

Depressed Face
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Grief

It is OK for a child to attend a funeral as long as things are explained ahead of time, the child is accompanied by an adult that can explain the service to them and they are allowed to talk about it after the service has ended.

Hurt Face
Grief Handout:

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Divorce

Separation of parents or divorce in a family can cause distress to all family members. Divorce can be a traumatic experience for children, but most children adjust well within two years. Children often have more problems when parents remain in a marriage filled with high conflict instead of splitting up.

Stress Face
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Deportation

Children often worry when adults around them worry. News reports and adult discussions about deportation can cause children many worries because they do not understand concepts about the law and policy and they fear separation from their parents.

Worried Face
Deportation Handout:

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Natural Disasters

Children’s reactions to natural disasters and their aftermath are strongly influenced by how their parents, teachers, and other caregivers cope during and after the event. They often turn to these adults for information, comfort, and help. These generally diminish with time, but knowing that these reactions are likely – and normal – can help parents be prepared.

Guilty Face
Natural Disasters Handout:

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Traumatic Separation

News reports and adult discussions about deportation can cause children many worries because they do not understand concepts about the law and policy. Some children may become fearful of separation from a parent and others may be coping with having been separated.

More Information

Lonely Face
Traumatic Separation Brochure:

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