We are so grateful to have sarah kang, a child psychologist, writing this month–the 70th year of mental health awareness month–to talk about the important and often, less-well-understood mental health issues in younger kids.Cognitive levels of learning in addition, we received some great advice and tips from some women in the nook community who are not mental health professionals but work with kids on a daily basis and have a great deal of value to add to this important conversation.Cognitive levels of learning the purpose of this article is not to diagnose a child with a mental disorder or to recommend a specific treatment plan. Unlike a simple broken bone, the right course of treatment and care for mental health can vary from individual to individual.Cognitive levels of learning it is important for parents to seek expert advice from a pediatric mental health professional if they are seriously worried about their children.Cognitive levels of learning the purpose of this article is to discuss some examples and make sure that this topic is not taboo and can be discussed freely within the nook community and beyond.Cognitive levels of learning

Anxiety is an adaptive and natural response to stressful or dangerous situations. In fact, stranger anxiety in infancy is part of healthy emotional development.Cognitive levels of learning throughout child development, there are developmentally appropriate fears or worries that arise, such as stranger anxiety in infants or separation anxiety in toddlers.Cognitive levels of learning when these fears or worries become excessive–severely impacting several aspects of the child’s daily functioning and persisting beyond what is expected given the child’s age or development–this may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.Cognitive levels of learning

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include a pervasive, excessive fear or worry that is difficult to control, as well as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep difficulties that significantly impair a child’s functioning and persist for at least 6 months.Cognitive levels of learning anxiety may also manifest in physical symptoms (e.G., stomachaches, headaches, nail biting), irritability, and angry outbursts. Because symptoms of anxiety can be highly variable, it may be difficult to accurately diagnose anxiety, particularly in early childhood.Cognitive levels of learning

For school-aged children, it will also be important to label, acknowledge, and empathize with their feelings, worries, and fears. It can also be helpful to “play detective” to figure out what anxiety looks and feels like for your child, as this will allow the child (and you) to identify when these feelings arise and develop coping strategies.Cognitive levels of learning

When we know our own personality, and also that of the child, we can better navigate tough conversations. For example, both my son and I are choleric and full of fire, so behaviorally, I want to respond with fire – but that’s like throwing fuel on the flames!Cognitive levels of learning instead, what my son needs is to be held and given one-on-one time with me. This calms his fire (and mine), and helps him open up to me when he’s ready.Cognitive levels of learning

Since unexpected changes can increase feelings of anxiety, another strategy parents can use is maintaining a consistent routine and preparing children by providing adequate time to get ready and as much information as developmentally appropriate.Cognitive levels of learning in addition, here are some other strategies that parents have found effective in coping with anxiety:

I’m such a believer in mindfulness. The action of naming emotions and practicing being present in the moment activates the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotions, and take control away from the amygdala, which causes the fight, flight, or freeze response.Cognitive levels of learning the most powerful tool is breathing, but there’s so many great mindfulness practices my students love – gratitude, heartfulness, mindful movement, mindful listening, mindful eating.Cognitive levels of learning I can’t stress enough how much kids need this. Today’s kids are online all the time and live in front of a screen, and social media causes so much anxiety.Cognitive levels of learning they really need to learn how to be present in the moment and connect with their feelings.

Children with depression often become irritable and engage in angry outbursts.Cognitive levels of learning furthermore, children may present with physical symptoms (e.G., headaches or stomachaches, restlessness), anxiety, behavioral issues, and irritability.Cognitive levels of learning the symptoms of depression may include: depressed mood, loss of interest or withdrawal, significant changes in weight or appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of suicide.Cognitive levels of learning

With young children, depression may be difficult to diagnose because they lack the verbal skills to accurately convey these feelings. Both younger and older children tend to display more prominent physical symptoms, irritability, or angry outbursts.Cognitive levels of learning younger children may also present with regression from developmental milestones or failure to thrive without a medical origin.

I recommend consulting with a parenting coach (especially one familiar with intuitive parenting, such as in waldorf education or simplicity parenting), a qualified nutritionist who is familiar with kids, science and eating behaviors (I’m not kidding!Cognitive levels of learning food is fuel, remember, and is the foundation of wellness or illness). Also, consider whether the school/learning environment is suitable for your child’s personality – perhaps explore other schools in your area to find out if the values, techniques and systems are a better match.Cognitive levels of learning

Even older children, who have the emotional capacity and expressive ability to more clearly express their feelings, may still struggle to fully identify and express their experiences and feelings.Cognitive levels of learning symptoms of depression can vary widely among children. Parents can help their children more accurately identify their emotions, acknowledge and empathize with these hard feelings, and begin to bridge the gap between thoughts, behaviors, and mood.Cognitive levels of learning

Similar to working with children with anxiety, parents can work with their children on developing strong emotional vocabularies. Again, it can be helpful to utilize children’s books about sadness or depression, as this allows for a more concrete representation of an abstract concept like depression.Cognitive levels of learning discussing the book character’s thoughts or feelings may be an easier, less vulnerable way to begin talking about the feelings that your child may be experiencing.Cognitive levels of learning

Another important thing is for parents to model their own mental health practices. For example, when parents are feeling down or anxious, they can model talking about their feelings and discuss the things they do to cope in a healthy way (like maybe leave out the part about downing a bottle of cab, but talk about going for a walk to de-stress).Cognitive levels of learning

Children may begin to more freely express thoughts and feelings when engaged in art activities, such as creating “sad monsters” based on the book characters.Cognitive levels of learning since children often lack the ability to regulate their emotions effectively, children will benefit from developing strong coping skills through deep breathing, engaging in calming activities, mindfulness or meditation techniques, and sensory-based coping skills.Cognitive levels of learning

I think a combination of support is always helpful. Try and find a licensed MH counselor that is a good fit. Involve your spouse or SO in the discussion.Cognitive levels of learning discuss with them safe friends or peers they can turn to and reach out to the school counselor or social worker. Communicate with them your intentions and make sure they are on board with your plan.Cognitive levels of learning some children benefit from a change in their diet, supplements, medications, acupuncture, essential oils, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy.Cognitive levels of learning