As a Montessori school, we are proud of our mixed-age classrooms that foster community, cooperation, and empathy among students. The opportunity for self-directed learning and freedom of choice not only boosts self-esteem and confidence but also nurtures a sense of agency, all of which are vital to positive mental health.
Honoring individual differences and avoiding comparisons creates a supportive environment where children feel valued and accepted. Practical life skills promote independence, self-care, and a sense of competence, which enhance children’s self-confidence and emotional resilience.
We incorporate lessons and activities that promote social-emotional skills, such as conflict resolution, communication, and empathy. Children learn to recognize and regulate their emotions, understand others’ perspectives, and navigate social interactions successfully.
When children experiencing emotional distress receive support from caring adults, they are better able to build a strong foundation for emotional well-being.
As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to share ways to support your child’s emotional well-being.
Did you know that hugs lasting 6 seconds or more are best for soothing our minds and calming our bodies?
In Gretchen Rubin’s book The Happiness Project, it is explained that as hugging time elapses, levels of the oxytocin hormone increase.
Oxytocin (the “feel-good hormone”) calms the nervous system and boosts positive emotions. The flow of oxytocin after a six-second hug has some positive effects.
According to Rubin:
- It lowers blood pressure and helps with anxiety
- It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone)
- It increases your social connections and sense of belonging.
Did you also know that laughter really is the best medicine?
According to Maria Heveran, a physician assistant at Geisinger’s Lewisburg clinic, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins when you laugh. “Releasing endorphins can help increase the body’s natural painkilling response,” says Heveran. “This helps with chronic pain and can improve your mood.”
As we approach summer, let’s remember the power of hugs and laughter. These simple acts can bring immense joy and contribute to our children’s emotional well-being. So, take a moment to hug your children a little longer and find the joy in laughter!
Parents and teachers are essential in helping children explore their feelings and build a strong emotional well-being foundation by promoting nurturing relationships.
Books for adults:
Reader’s Digest Laughter is the Best Medicine: All Time Favorites: The funniest jokes, stories, and cartoons from 100 years of Reader’s Digest.
The Happiness Project
Books for children:
My Joyful Robot
Be Mindful of Monsters: A Book for Helping Children Accept Their Emotions
The Feelings Book: The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions
Guy Stuff Feelings: Everything you need to know about your emotions
If you’re feeling worried about your child’s mental health, it’s more than okay to ask for support!
Resources:
- InfoAboutKids.org has resources addressing children’s healthy development across four areas: body, mind, emotions, and relationships.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org) has resources, materials, and tools to help you support children impacted by trauma.
- Effective Child Therapy (effectivechildtherapy.org) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org) provide resources, support, and referrals.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s samhsa.gov/nd-help and 1-800-662-HELP hotline are confidential, free, 24/7 information services that offer referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Compiled by The American Psychological Association (www.apa.org/topics/children).