Parents and teachers share a goal: helping young people learn how to be happy and healthy. Whether in the classroom or at home, parents and teachers can work together to make positive impacts on students’ mental health and understanding.
Here are a few things teachers and parents can do to help students mental health:
Teachers
Connect students to mental health resources
Most schools already have programs in place, such as bully prevention or a safety plan. Sharing help school programs at the start of the school year not directed towards anyone in particular can give them a resource they can lean on throughout the year without feeling pressure or scared.
Including mental health topics in parent-teacher meetings
Parental involvement is crucial. To encourage parents to be more involved in their children’s emotional lives, teach them ways of identifying signs of distress, how to seek assistance for their child if they suspect any issues, and ways to support their child’s overall mental health and well-being.
Teach students stress reductio strategies
Students’ stress is typically related to everyday experiences, concerns, and challenges at school, in the home, and within their peer group. Activities such as breathing techniques, identify and acknowledgment, reflection journals, and more can be easily integrated into or between lessons.
Teachers can also check out these Resources to support educators in the classroom including a classroom mental health contract, mental wellness for educators, mindfulness activities, and more.
Parents
Get involved in school
Whether that is being able to volunteer for school events or just asking your child how their school day went and what they enjoy, taking an interest in a major part of your child’s life is a great starting point.
Contact school to request services for your child
If you know your child might have a learning disability in some way or suspect they might, schools have tests and assessments to find what they need and have plenty of learning support services.
Practice SEL at home
Social-emotional learning comes in many forms.
Parents can also check out these Resources to learn about key topics related to children’s mental health including topics such as finding mental health care for your child, talking about mental health, how to navigate a mental health crisis, and more.
What mental health steps do you take with your child or student to support them?
Resources:
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