• 45°

Children vulnerable for troubled mental health, Cook says

MADISON – You’ve taken good care of your children – You’ve fed them. Clothed them. And send them off to school, ready for another day. However, parents can overlook signs of a problem with a child’s mental health.

The audience at the Madison Elementary School PTA meeting on Sept. 14 heard about symptoms, causes and solutions from MES Counselor Stephanie Cook. She presented “Helping Children With Mental Health” to assist parents and guardians.

Cook first asked, “How do we protect their mental health?” First, parents should model healthy coping strategies that a child can emulate. Watch for behavior changes.

In addition, parents need to maintain healthy routines and take time to discuss emotions and feelings regularly. If a child’s behavior continues to suffer, seek out professional help, Cook said.

Parents sometimes may ignore stress that a child faces. Struggles between parents cause disagreements in the household that can filter down to a child. Sibling rivalry (or with friends) is expected but can escalate if situations aren’t resolved.

Even children can experience “lack of privacy” if ‘me time’ isn’t observed, Cook said.

The birth of a baby can lead to uncertainty for the older sibling. School can cause stress as a student transitions to the next grade and in defining social circles. Money problems can trouble children, too.

Fortunately, children do have coping skills to help their well-being. A child can read a book, draw a picture to label the feelings or create a piece of artwork, Cook said. Breathing exercises can calm a child, as does positive self-talk, playing a game with a peer or even yoga moves.

Parents and guardians can watch for signs of an anxiety disorder in a child. The signs include withdrawal from social life, fearing the next anxiety attack and frequent worrying that interferes with daily life.

Other ‘red flags’ are an irrational fear and avoidance of a harmless object, place or situation; panic attacks that have no advance warning; and recurring nightmares.

The child’s caregiver can access mental health resources on Madison City Schools website by visiting madisoncity.k12.al.us, clicking the “Parents & Students” dropdown menu and clicking “Mental Health Matters.” The Enrichment Center at theenrichmentcenter.org also can help parents. MCS teachers and staff are offered training that specializes in mental health for children, Cook said.

Events

Messiah Lutheran’s Ring and Sing Concert set for Dec. 10

Bob Jones High School

Sparkman girls best Bob Jones in OT thriller

Events

Lessons & Carols: Asbury Church to present the annual tradition this Sunday

Digital Version

Check out the December issue of Madison Living Magazine

Madison

HEALS mobile clinic to start visiting students at Madison campuses

Events

Madison Polar Express Christmas Trees lightening and Wassail Fest to kick off city’s holiday events tonight

Harvest

Fort Moore Band to perform ‘Moore for the Holidays’ concert at James Clemens

Harvest

‘Christmas Time with The Beasley Brothers’ concert slated at James Clemens on Dec. 9

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – Nov. 29, 2023

Events

Mayor Finley: Celebrate the Season in the City of Madison

Mayor Finley: Celebrate the Season in the City of Madison

Events

Huntsville Ballet’s 60th Season continues with The Nutcracker performed with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra

Madison

Trash Pandas’ Hearn named Clubhouse Manager of the Year

Madison

MVP’s store offers Madison ‘merch’ through Dec. 3

Bob Jones High School

National chess championships open to Madison players

Bob Jones High School

Madison Visionary Partners opens nominations for Madison Visionary Awards

Madison

Interfaith Day of Prayer debuts with people of diverse beliefs

Harvest

Toyota association donates to The Salvation Army’s holiday projects

Madison

Mustangs take down Sylvania 35-28 in Black Friday playoff epic

Harvest

Japan-America Society presents award to Robert Black

Harvest

Ardie Dean’s career in drumming led him to 5 continents and Carnegie Hall

Harvest

Holidays open with Fantasy Playhouse’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

James Clemens High School

Jets dominate Senators in road tilt

Bob Jones High School

Many chess players earn first-ever rating at Queen’s Quest

Bob Jones High School

Take a break: Madison, Triana libraries’ sessions calm holiday stress

x