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Heath High School senior Kirstie Rodden prepared this 14-minute video about our PAVE program.

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Ohio Coalition for Healthy Communities

Paddy Kutz -

Executive Director

May is Mental Health Month

by Paddy Kutz, Executive Director, Mental Health America of Licking County

Love, security and acceptance should be at the heart of family life. Children need to know that your love does not depend on their accomplishments. Mistakes and defeats should be expected and accepted. Confidence grows in a home that is full of unconditional love and affection. Provide a safe and secure home.

It is easy for parents to identify their child’s basic needs: nutritious food, warm clothes when it’s cold, bedtime at a reasonable hour. However, a child’s mental and emotional health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. In addition, having good friends and hearing encouraging words from adults are important for helping children develop self-confidence, high self-esteem and a healthy emotional outlook on life.

Nurture your children by praising them as they explore and learn about their surroundings. Be an active participant in their activities, your attention helps build their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Provide appropriate guidance and instructive discipline. We all (and especially children) need boundaries and rules to follow. Children need to learn that certain behaviors are unacceptable and that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions.

Set realistic goals that match their ambitions and their abilities. Be honest with your children. Do not hide your failures from them. It is important for them to know that we all make mistakes. It can be very reassuring to know that adults are not perfect. Be quick to apologize when you make a mistake.

Avoid sarcastic remarks. Encourage children to not only strive to do their best, but also to enjoy the process. Trying new activities teaches children about teamwork, self-esteem and new skills.

School should be fun! As parents or guardians you are responsible for teaching them how to behave and to be ready to learn and have a great attitude about going to school and doing their best everyday.

We are promoting wellness and encouraging parents to seek help if a child has problems with emotions or behavior. Your observations, combined with those of teachers and other caregivers, may lead you to seek help for your family. If you suspect a problem or have questions consult with your child’s physician, talk with school personnel, and/or call Mental Health America of Licking County for information and/or referrals for help at 740-522-1341 or paddykutz@alink.com.  We provide parent education programs as well, just call to schedule classes. And by the way, please become a member of MHA during our annual membership drive so we can continue to help our community….Send your donation to MHALC, 65 Messimer Dr. Newark, OH 43055. You can also donate online at www.mhalc.org. Thank you, we are grateful!

Mental Health America is a partner agency of United Way and the Mental Health & Recovery Board for Licking and Knox Counties.