The document outlines 23 strategies for nurturing children's mental health, focusing on emotional, social, environmental, and physical aspects. Key recommendations include helping children identify and express emotions, fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring safety and positive experiences, and promoting healthy habits like sleep and exercise. Overall, it emphasizes creating a supportive environment for children's mental well-being.

1. NURTURING CHILDREN'S
MENTAL HEALTH
23 Strategies
C O U N S E L O R T O O L B O X P O D C A S T E P I S O D E 3 8 7
EMOTIONAL
Identify and appropriately express emotions
Learn what makes them happy
Identify 3 things each day that made them happy
Develop distress tolerance skills
Practice mindfulness at breakfast, after school and
before bed
MENTAL
Address thinking errors (cognitive distortions)
Increase a sense of competence with regular
successes by setting SMART goals
Develop psychological flexibility
Screen for learning or developmental issues
Praise strengths and achievements for self-esteem
SOCIAL
Nurture a secure attachment and unconditional
positive regard
Teach them how to set (and keep) healthy boundaries
Model effective communication skills
Appreciate individual differences
Develop a sense of belonging at school and home
ENVIRONMENTAL
Help them feel safe at home, school and play
Include age-appropriate positive messages and
images
Minimize over-exposure to stressful television/news
Encourage them top participate in family decisions
PHYSICAL
Make sure they are getting at least 8-9 hours of sleep
A nutritious (colorful) diet provides building blocks
for happiness
Eliminate caffeine
Encourage 1 hour of exercise daily