Good mental health lets young people live their best lives. It is a key component in a child's healthy development. It positively affects his or her ability to learn, interact with peers, and reach his or her full potential.
We all have a hand in promoting good mental health. One key role for parents and family members is being aware of the warning signs for mental health concerns. It is important to identify any concerns as early as possible in children and adolescents.
It guides parents to find and use helpful resources. It leads to clear dialogue with health care providers. And it allows young people to access the care they need for any mental health concerns. All these steps help ensure that children have the best opportunities to lead full and productive lives.
Social and emotional development is a primary benefit of good mental health. This affects every part of a child's life. Children who develop good social and emotional skills are able to:
Make and Keep Friends
Understand and Express Emotions
Achieve Success in School
Develop Healthy Eating and Sleeping Patterns
It is important to prevent negative medical, social, and emotional impacts before they occur.
Factors involved in prevention include proper nutrition, social supports, family stability, and much more. Data shows that these factors can have large and long-term effects on health outcomes.
Resources for Parents and Family Members Access these videos and flyers to help you identify and navigate any mental health concerns.
A set of parent guides developed by the NYS Office of Mental Health to help parents better understand their child's social emotional development from ages 1 - 18.
A practical, online educational resource dedicated to promoting and supporting the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children, teens, and young adults through a narrative, multimedia approach.
An American Academy of Pediatrics program that provides a common framework for well-child care from birth to age 21
An American Academy of Pediatrics program, parents with guidance on parenting issues to promote the optimal physical, mental, and social health for children.
"Facts for Families" provide concise and up-to-date information on behavioral health issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.
The Council on Children and Families coordinates New York's health, education and human services systems to provide more effective systems of care for children and families.
Provides resources from across multiple New York State systems to help young people, parents, and family members with behavioral, emotional, physical and/or mental health challenges.
A resource connecting families of children 0-5 years to community resources and child development information in Western NY and Long Island.
AACAP resources centers offer information regarding various mental health conditions, with definitions, answers to frequently asked questions, clinical resources, and expert videos.
An educational guide for families with children with ADHD.
An international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depressive, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research.
For parents whose children, between ages 3-20, are struggling with learning and attention issues.
The leading peer-directed national organization focusing on the two most prevalent mental health conditions, depression and bipolar disorder.
A USAID project, Youth Power seeks to improve the capacity of youth-led and youth-serving institutions through evidence-based positive youth development.
A statewise, parent-governed, non-profit organization representing families of children with social, emotional, behavioral and cross-system challenges.
The nation's largest grassroots mental health organization aiming to raise awareness and provide support and education.
A selection of toolkits and guides for parents to address behavioral health and wellness issues.
These resources are designed to support children and families in reaching certain milestones at different ages and stages.
A nationwise initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5, offering families ways to manage common challenges, to simplify everyday activities, and to grow connections.
Tips for helping children to develop age-appropriate cognitive and motor skills.
Tips for parents and educators on helping children develop the self-expression and self-confidence to manage challenges.
Website for teens, parents, professionals that includes information on drugs of abuse and their interactions with medications.
Teens describe common signs of suicidality, and provide tips for communication and directing to support and safety.
The APA offers answers to common questions and concerns regarding bullying, depression, trauma and suicide brought up by the Netflix show, "13 Reasons Why."
Videos, guides, and other resources for parents.
Guidance on relating to the show the Netflix show, "13 Reasons Why" and issues of suicidality.
Make sure your child's physician and other staff in the primary care practice know about Project TEACH.
Download and print a Project TEACH flyer to give to your physician.
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