3 Practical Ways to Support Kids' Mental Health Right Now

Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in May of every year, but that doesn't mean you can’t start taking action year-round to support mental health awareness. All the major issues happening all over the globe today — such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russian war, and the climate change crisis — can take a toll on anyone’s wellbeing. The thing is, young children and teenagers are more prone to stress and anxiety than adults. Now, more than ever, due to the new normal they've witnessed and continue to live in, it's essential to practice ways to support kids' mental health.

Here at Outschool, we recognize the invaluable role of parents and guardians in safeguarding the mental health of our learners. That's why we've curated mental health resources for kids to help you navigate the ins and outs of parenting while ensuring your kids' mental health is at its optimum.

Resources to Support Mental Health

As the international authority for all things concerning health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been a leading force in bringing forward the importance of mental wellness in recent years. In their own words, “There is no health without mental health.” Various interventions, mental health resources for kids, and engagement programs have been developed to ensure that people of all ages live, work, learn, and thrive.

HelpGuide is a small independent nonprofit organization that runs one of the world’s top 10 mental health websites, with plenty of mental health resources for kids to choose from. Their team is composed of dedicated and passionate individuals who provide mental health information, resources, and tools online. Their articles aim to help people empower themselves. They also advocate for kids' mental health and their website provides various ways to support kids' mental health.

MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health wellness and information. The organization aims to educate and guide the general public, including those in authority such as health professionals, policymakers, government and business leaders, school systems, and local communities. They also provide mental health resources specifically to support kids.

In addition, you can embrace digital tools. For example, resources like mindfulness apps and meditation books can help your kid express how they’re feeling and navigate stressors. Consider an episode from Everyday Feels: A Kids Podcast About Emotions.  

Benefits of Providing Mental Health Resources

Discussions on mental health continue to improve and evolve. Esteemed organizations dedicated to studying and promoting mental health serve as the foundation for achieving mental wellness in our community. There are now various guides out there that are based on facts that are based on research results. These guides allow even those who are not health professionals to take corresponding steps to ensure support for mental well-being. Start guiding your kid from a  young age with reliable mental health resources. You can also continue advocating for kids' mental health with additional resources.

Mental Health Resources for Different Age Groups

Early warning signs of mental health concerns can be seen in young children. It’s important to make sure that children have mental health support in their early years, so it doesn't affect them and their relationships later in life.

Here are some ways in which parents and guardians can help to support their children’s mental health.

1. Emphasize emotional intelligence.

Emotionally intelligent children have strong mental health, stable and satisfying relationships, and later on, a rewarding work life. Doing your part as an emotionally intelligent parent is the foundation of developing your child’s emotional quotient, but there are other support programs to back you up. Outschool offers the Social Emotional Learning at Home, a two-day course designed for students to learn the basics of social-emotional learning.

2. Plan and establish routines and activities.

The past two years had us all cooped up indoors, and it has been quite a challenge for parents and children alike to remain healthy at home. Routines keep all members of the household in check, and knowing each other’s responsibilities and what other family members expect from them provides stability. Online events have also become huge trends, such as these multi-day camps for kids and teenagers, in which you can enroll your children to break the monotony of staying home.

3. Don't be afraid to seek professional advice.

Even though conversations surrounding mental health have become more open in recent years, some people still find it difficult to approach professionals for help. You can always find support in various organizations and charities dedicated to mental and general wellness. Your children can also take mental health classes so they understand themselves better and know they always have the support of their family and community.

Outschool has been a partner of parents and guardians in ensuring the general wellbeing of our learners. As an innovative education platform, young children to teenagers can choose from a variety of engaging, small-group classes online. Our classes are designed with mental health support in mind, so you can rest assured that our educators have the skills and experience to give kids the unique opportunity of exploring their interests in-depth via interactive, live videos.

Here at Outschool, you can always find ways to support kids' mental health. For more mental health resources for kids, check out these Outschool classes.