In today’s world, mental health and behavioral issues are increasingly impacting children. According to recent findings from the CDC, approximately 1 in 7 kids aged 2 to 8 has been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (MBDD). These statistics only reflect those who have received formal diagnoses, leaving many undiagnosed.
MBDDs are notably more common among boys, non-Hispanic white children, those aged 6 to 8, and kids from low-income backgrounds. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these disorders can affect any child. As a society, we must all contribute to addressing this pressing concern by providing children with the resources, support, coping strategies, and emotional care they need.
You might assume that schools—where children spend a significant portion of their time—would prioritize these issues. While many dedicated educators strive to care for their students as if they were their own, is it sufficient? Are schools truly doing everything possible to focus on their students’ socio-emotional well-being? Shouldn’t mental health be integrated into the curriculum with the same importance as math and reading? Teaching kindness and cooperation is just as vital as academic subjects.
One educator who embodies this belief is Laura Kingsley, a kindergarten teacher at Maplewood Elementary School in Springfield, Illinois. After 15 years in the classroom, Kingsley recently shared a heartfelt Facebook post addressing these critical themes. She expressed her desire for her students to “thrive not just academically but as individuals,” highlighting her commitment to nurturing their mental health alongside their academic growth.
Kingsley writes, “Lately, I’ve lost a lot of sleep, scrolling through news about school shootings and safety debates. What concerns me most is the blame game—parents blaming teachers and vice versa. This isn’t the conversation we should be having.”
So, what does Kingsley propose? She emphasizes the need for actionable steps and meaningful conversations between teachers and students regarding mental health. “I shape the lives of these children,” she states. “I have the power to create a welcoming environment where learning is enjoyable. My students become like family to me.”
Every day, Kingsley welcomes her students with open arms, knowing that for some, her hugs might be the only affection they receive. She ensures that children in need receive extra food, clothing, and other essentials, demonstrating that small gestures can have a profound impact on their lives.
Throughout her career, Kingsley has encountered students with various challenges—abuse, neglect, parental incarceration, and mental health issues that often lead to anxiety severe enough to require counseling. “These scenarios used to be rare, but now they’re disturbingly common,” she notes.
Yet, Kingsley believes that simply providing love and meeting basic needs isn’t enough; schools must implement programs focused on mental health. Frustrated by the lack of such initiatives, she took matters into her own hands.
Last year, Kingsley successfully applied for a grant to launch an after-school yoga and mindfulness program, which attracted over 100 participants. “This was my first step toward igniting change,” she said.
Eager to expand her efforts, Kingsley is now advocating for a broader movement to prioritize mental health education in schools. “We need to teach self-management, growth mindset, social awareness, respect, and responsibility. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts and limited state funding, these topics often get overlooked.”
In her post, she proposed a mental health reading list as a foundation for a curriculum aimed at raising awareness among young children. This list includes books addressing topics like divorce, grief, living with autism, and the importance of community. These are critical issues that deserve open discussion, and Kingsley is determined to raise awareness.
She revealed to us that her Amazon Wish List for these books has not only been fulfilled for her school but has also been shared widely, helping other schools obtain necessary resources. “It’s heartwarming to see others using my wish list to foster their own movements,” she expressed, excited to witness the growth of this initiative.
The world needs more educators like Laura Kingsley, who are not only committed to academic excellence but also to the emotional and mental well-being of their students. Her efforts have sparked an important conversation about prioritizing mental health in education, reminding us all to nurture children’s emotional health. For anyone interested in starting their own journey into parenthood, check out this resource for additional information. You can also explore more about the fertility journey at this reliable authority on the topic. For excellent guidance on pregnancy, visit the CDC website.
In conclusion, it’s essential to recognize the importance of mental health education in schools, as well as the dedication of teachers like Laura Kingsley who are leading the charge in creating a supportive environment for all students.
Keyphrase: mental health awareness in schools
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