In today’s world, mental health and behavioral disorders impact a significant number of children. According to the CDC, 1 in 7 children aged 2 to 8 has been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (MBDD). This statistic only accounts for those who have received formal diagnoses.
MBDDs are particularly prevalent among boys, non-Hispanic white children, those aged between 6 and 8, and children living in poverty. However, any child can be affected, and it is crucial for all of us to contribute to addressing this pressing issue—providing every child with the necessary resources, support, coping strategies, and compassion they deserve.
One might assume that schools, where children spend most of their time, would prioritize these concerns. While many educators do strive to support their students, the question remains: Are schools doing enough to focus on the socio-emotional well-being of their students? Why aren’t mental health topics integrated into the curriculum with the same emphasis as subjects like math and reading? Teaching children to be empathetic and constructive members of society is equally important.
Enter Jessica Lane, a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Riverside Elementary in Springfield, Illinois. With 15 years of experience, Lane recently shared an impactful post on social media that highlighted these very issues. She expressed her desire for her students to thrive not only academically but also as individuals, and emphasized the importance of nurturing their mental well-being alongside their educational growth.
“I have been losing a lot of sleep lately,” Lane stated. “My social media feeds are filled with news about school shootings, safety protocols, debates on gun control, and discussions about arming teachers. What troubles me most is the blame game between parents and educators. This is not where my focus lies.”
So, what does Lane believe we should focus on? She emphasizes the need for actionable, real-world conversations and initiatives that educators can engage in with their students to promote mental health awareness. “I have the ability to shape children’s futures,” Lane asserted. “I serve as their initial stepping stone away from home. I strive to create an environment where they feel excited about learning. I choose to make school a welcoming place. My students become like family to me.”
Lane’s commitment is evident; she expresses concern for her students both day and night. Every morning, she greets them warmly, knowing that her affection might be the only kindness they experience that day. She ensures that children who arrive hungry receive extra snacks, and she provides clothing and shoes for those from low-income families.
These small gestures can have a profound impact on the lives of these children and are just as vital as teaching them academic skills. “Over the years, I’ve encountered students who have faced abuse, neglect, and the incarceration of one or both parents, as well as those coping with terminally ill parents or the loss of a parent to suicide,” Lane shared. “Many of my students grapple with their own mental health challenges, including anxiety that necessitates weekly counseling. These circumstances, once rare, have sadly become the norm.”
Lane believes that simply showing love and meeting basic needs is not enough. Schools must implement structured programs that address students’ mental health. Recognizing the lack of such initiatives, she took it upon herself to initiate change.
In her post, Lane revealed her success in securing a grant for an after-school yoga and mindfulness program, which attracted over 100 students. “This was my first step toward making a difference,” she said enthusiastically.
However, Lane is not stopping there. “I am on a mission to prioritize mental health education within schools,” she declared. “Topics like self-management, growth mindset, social awareness, respect, and responsibility should be included in our curriculum. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints and insufficient state funding, these vital subjects often get overlooked.”
She shared a brilliant idea for implementation: a mental health reading list designed to serve as a foundation for a mental health awareness curriculum for young children. This list, which she posted on her social media linked to an Amazon Wish List, includes books covering important topics like divorce, grief, living with autism, and social responsibility. These are essential subjects that deserve open discussion.
Lane informed Modern Family Blog that her reading list has not only been fulfilled for her own school but has also been shared widely, leading to other schools receiving these valuable resources. “It’s gratifying to see that others are using my list to spark their own movements,” she mentioned. “I’ve received feedback from various educators and parents eager to adopt this list to support their kids. It’s an honor to contribute to this growing initiative.”
The world certainly needs more educators like Jessica Lane. She has initiated a movement and opened up a crucial dialogue that we all need to engage in. Now, more than ever, we must prioritize the mental and emotional health of our children. It’s heartening to witness educators taking charge of such an important issue and advocating for the well-being of our youth.
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In summary, Jessica Lane’s dedication to nurturing her students’ mental health alongside their academic success exemplifies the need for a broader focus on emotional wellness in educational settings. Her proactive approach has already made a significant impact, inspiring other educators to join the movement for mental health awareness in schools.