May is Mental Health Month!

May is Mental Health Month - 2023

Here, in California, May 1 – May 7, 2023 is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, but May is Mental Health Month.

Governor Newsom Proclaims Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

Parents/Caregivers* Mental Health Matters & Children’s Mental Health Matters!

*Parent will be utilized, but it represents all People in a Parenting/Caregiving Role.

When Parents & Children have Good Mental Health, then Families THRIVE!

How can you help your Child’s Mental Health?

By taking care of your own Mental Health! Yes! You read that right. When we as adult’s model/practice self-regulation, empathy, compassion, problem solving, effective communication, mindful/reflective parenting strategies, we can take a Whole-listic approach to helping our Littles become exceptional Humans.

What else can you do?

Trust your Parent Gut. You are the expert in your Children. If there is something that concerns you about your Child:

  • Ask questions to trained professionals and other parents
  • Request consultations
  • Get a second opinion if you do not agree
  • Don’t let anyone talk you out of Your Concerns, You Are the Expert
  • Get Help
  • Prevention and Early Intervention is Key
  • Click on the "Let's Connect" Button for a Consultation
  • Be an Advocate for your Child

Again, this is for Parents that HAVE Concerns. If you do not have concerns, great!

All Parents, keep encouraging your Child to Learn, Explore, Play, Be Curious and Wonder about the world around them.

Every Day This Week, promote your Children’s Mental Health with ONE of these activities:

  1. Play with them
  2. Encourage Imagination and Creativity
  3. Remind them that they are** a:
    • Blessing
    • Loved
    • Sacred
    • Gift
    • **Teachings from Maestro Jerry Tello & Positive Indian Parenting (PIP)
  4. Teach them a new game/hobby
  5. Allow them to Teach You
  6. Reinforce their Strengths
  7. Be Present, Attuned, Attentive, and Responsive - Dr. Bruce Perry
  8. Show them they Safe, Protected, Loved, and Respected - Dr. Kristen Brandt
  9. Validate Their Emotions
  10. Have an Adventure

Not sure how or where to begin?

Get your own copy, "Children’s Mental Health Awareness Activities," down below!

DOWNLOAD: Children’s Mental Health Awareness Activities
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Please note that a blog post is not medical advice nor does it mean the reader and I have entered into a therapeutic relationship.

Dr. Evy Espinoza

Clinical Psychologist

Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist.

Hi, I'm Dr. Evy, a Latina, bilingual (English/Spanish) Clinical Psychologist living  and practicing in Los Angeles. I have been providing Birth to Five Pediatric Therapy Services in Los Angeles County for close to 20 years.

I seek to provide care for families who are encountering barriers in accessing services for their children or who struggle with getting questions answered that did not require long-term interventions, such as consultations.

While my speciality is Pediatric Behavioral Health from birth to five years of age, I also serve older children, adolescents, families, and adults with therapy services.