Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month so we will be sharing resources: information, books and programs all about mental health for children. 
Information:

Mental health is important at all ages! The CDC notes that mental health in childhood means "reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems." Some ways to help children cope with various things is to talk openly about feelings, practice transitions (songs can help with this!) and explore mindfulness practices like breathing exercises. 

Books:

Books are a great way to explore these topics with children and open up conversations about feelings. Below are some suggestions of favorite titles. At the bottom of the page, you will find a booklist featuring books for kids--ranging from picture books to middle grade titles--that discuss topics of mindfulness, mental health, anxiety and depression.

Book Cover_Sometimes all I need is me
Sometimes All I Need is Me by Juliano Perdoma: (Ages 2-5) A young girl finds comfort and confidence within as she makes the best of any situation, in a text that highlights the themes of resiliency, , mindfulness, and self-care.

 

Book cover-ruby finds a worry
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival: (Ages 4-6) A young girl's sense of adventure and exploration vanishes when she discovers a Worry that grows and grows until she learns how to get rid of it.

 

Book Cover-How To Become a Planet
How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby: (Ages 9-12) A powerful coming of age story about a young girl named Pluto experiencing anxiety and depression. She develops a plan and a checklist to try to become her old self again. But it takes a new therapist, a new tutor, and a new (and cute) friend with a checklist and plan of her own for Pluto to learn that there is no old and new Pluto. There’s just her. 
Book cover-making memories
Making Memories: Practice Mindfulness, Learn to Journal and Scrapbook, Find Everyday Calm by Amy Tangerine : (Ages 8+) A unique combination of mindfulness, journaling, and scrapbooking activities helping you to value the little things, cherish memories, and find calm every day. Each activity and thought encourages a sense of calm or wellbeing, which helps children to live in the moment and make memories in the real world. 
Programs:

Storytimes at the library are a great way for children to develop their social and emotional skills. Many branches are offering in person Storytimes that you can find here and virtual Storytimes that you can find here. Additionally, you can click the link below to watch a virtual Storytime geared towards ages 3-5 all about mindfulness! Kids will learn different tools to stay present, think about their emotions and work through them in a healthy way. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

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children's books
mindfulness
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