Planting Seeds of mental health

tonylovinoMay is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness month. New Horizon Counseling Center has provided Forget-Me-Not Flower seeds at the Oceanside Library for parents and children to plant and enjoy while focusing on the importance of children’s behavioral health.

Audrey Goodman, the center’s Community Relations Coordinator said they are trying to plant a seed so parents take children’s behavioral health needs seriously. “They should see any behavior that is extreme or that prevents the child from sleeping well, eating well or prevents the child from making friends,” Goodman said, “Many parents don’t want to bring problems up in school, they are afraid of having the child labeled, afraid of the stigma, and although they may ask the child’s doctor, a pediatrician is not a mental health professional.”

Because it’s National Children’s Mental Health Month the center felt this was the right venue to give parents a reason to spend time with their children.

Goodman explained that parents are over whelmed, with both parents working, some working two jobs, trying to make ends meet. Children have busy lives with school, sports and other outside interests. Technology has helped make it a fast paced world, she said.

“We want parents to know we offer a place to go, “ Goodman said. “We accept all insurance. We know it hurts to see a child uncomfortable so we can offer advice. We have support groups for children and parents, from art groups to understanding emotions for children age eight through 12. We even offer parenting groups.”

Caring for children requires a holistic approach that involves support and strengthening the entire family. Together each family can watch the seeds grow and be reminded of how parents help their children grow every day. The seed packets can be picked up in the children’s section of the library.

 

Source: http://liherald.com/stories/Planting-Seeds-of-mental-health,80259?

 

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