Empowering Children’s Emotional and Mental Well-being: Insights from a Mom and Advocate

How did you learn about the importance of children’s emotional and mental well-being? Is there something you wish more people knew? 

I began learning about the importance of children’s emotional and well-being from a young age. This is because at the age of 12, I entered my first depression. At that age, I began learning about the importance of handling my emotions. Now, as a mom, it’s important for me to teach my kids to deal with their emotions. What allows me to teach them is the fact that I learned to overcome my hard emotions. I’ve learned from my experiences and can now share my lessons, tricks and tips. I wish more people knew that there is a way to deal with and handle our emotions. However, first we must understand them. The biggest thing to know is there are no negative or positive emotions. They are all just emotions. The more we understand them, the more we can help our kids understand them. We are emotional human beings. We must understand them.

What inspired you to share your knowledge and passion about the topic on social media?

My biggest inspiration to share this knowledge and passion is my past and my present! I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) twice before the age of 21. A big part of BPD is learning how to deal with emotions. I’ve figured a lot out, but I am still working on it and will probably always be. Sometimes it feels like a lonely road and I do not want anyone else feeling that way! I share so others don’t feel alone. Sharing my knowledge also makes me feel good because I know I’m helping someone.If I can help just one person, I’ve done a good job. If I can help 100, I’ve done a great job. If I can help 1000, maybe I can start saving the world.

What are things you do with your own family to promote your children’s mental and emotional well-being?

Some things I do with my own family to promote my children’s mental and well-being are:

1. Affirmations: every morning my daughter and I both say three affirmations. This helps build confidence.
2. Talk about dreams: this helps bring excitement and hope for the future. Our emotions are very much based on how we feel about life. Talking about your dreams keeps us feeling excited.
3. Talk about our feelings: we don’t hide our feelings at home. We try to understand them and why we feel the way we do. For example, if my 6 year old daughter is crying, I do not tell her to stop crying. Instead, I tell her it’s okay to cry. I ask her why she is crying, why she feels the way she does, and then discuss what we can do to feel better. 

What is your biggest piece of advice for other families looking to support their children’s health and well-being?

My biggest piece of advice to other families looking to support their children’s health and well-being is to be open, understanding, and patient. The more open we are, the more our children will trust us to open up about their feelings. The more understanding we are, the more we can help guide our children. The more patient we are, the more our kids will be calm and willing to talk to us. Let your child know you are there for them and will never judge them. Remember, feelings are just feelings. They are not good or bad. We all have them and they are valid.