Parent Healthy Mind Healthy Body resources are now available
We are excited to announce that three new Parent Healthy Mind Healthy Body resources are now available. Each resource includes an introductory section that provides guidance on its purpose and how to use it effectively. Throughout this document, we will refer to all individuals responsible for the care of dependent children and adolescents—such as parents, caregivers, and others—collectively as “parents.” This approach minimizes wordiness, ensures uniform language, and maintains clarity and consistency.
Parenting can often feel like a daunting journey. With so many resources available outlining what to do and what to avoid, it is easy for parents to feel overwhelmed. I remember feeling this way when I picked up various parenting books while raising my energetic children. The countless directives about what to do or not do often left me feeling lost, and I frequently felt guilty about not doing enough. It’s essential to recognize that you are the best judge of what you can handle based on your unique circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to exploring mental health, and you should never feel pressured to use any resource beyond its intended purpose, which is to assist and support parents seeking to learn more about mental health.
This resource is designed to help you understand your child’s mental health development as they grow and mature. It will guide you in recognizing when your child is thriving, even amid challenging emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you identify situations that may raise concerns. You may choose to disregard prompts such as “Start the discussion” or “Ask your child.” However, you can still benefit from reviewing the activities or exercises included for informational purposes.
Suppose you feel inspired to learn about mental health alongside your child. In that case, this resource offers thoughtfully designed activities and fact sheets to enhance your understanding together and promote open communication. You can choose to engage with some, most, or all of these activities, allowing you to explore various aspects of your child’s mental and overall health.