Talking about your Mental Health with a Child

We believe it is important for parents/adults to talk to children about these "difficult" topics for several reasons: 1) to humanize and provide real-life examples to children who are likely having the same experience; 2) to help children avoid some of the situations; 3) create a safe space for children to talk to a trusted adult; 4) it is important for parents/adults to model how to talk about difficult situations and share emotions; and 5) to provide some real-life examples with commentary from of a mental health professional.

We are asking parents/adults to describe their experience with 10 situations, how it made them feel, and what you would say to your child about it. You may respond to one or more of the situations. Your responses are anonymous and may or may not be shared in the final product.

The following survey is the groundwork to our second coloring book from Professional Life Coach, Inc. aimed at helping parents/adults talk with children about mental health-related topics.

If you have any questions, please email us at professionallifecoachinc@gmail.com.

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1. Experience with Racism, pride in your culture, and celebrating differences

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2. Ordinary fear of parents about their child's safety (social media, gun violence, sexual assault, strangers, and safe driving.

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3. Grief - loss of a close significant other like a parent, another child, sibling, etc.

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4. How to deal with a close person who is experiencing problems with addiction, substance use, and/or how they should avoid drugs.

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5. How to handle a divorce, separation of parents, adoption, absentee parent due to prison, parent not interacting with child (rejection)

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6. Dealing with a parent with a serious mental health/Physical health condition that affects their parenting.

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7. Dealing with inappropriate touching, molestation, sexual assault or advances (how to share if someone touches their "private" parts")

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8. Body Image - weight issues, puberty, healthy relationship with food/exercise, comparisons on social media, plastic surgery, and changes within body.

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9. How to recognize healthy friendships/relationships, handle conflict, and when to leave unhealthy relationships.

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10. How to advocate for themselves with adults and children...have sensitive conversations with parents/adults

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