May is mental health awareness month. In the past few years, mental health has become a topic in the forefront of our culture. While our society makes strides towards destigmatizing the topic of mental health, we are happy to do our part at Liberty Dance Center.
We are proud to be a YPAD certified studio, placing our students’ safety and well-being first in all we do. At Liberty Dance Center, we approach dance in a manner that fosters the physical and mental growth of all of our dancers. We are a safe space for students to express themselves and feel at home.
In our ever-evolving world of technology and busy schedules, this time of year can be swamped and stressful for even the youngest of dancers. Here are some ways to support the mental health of your child as we draw closer to recital!
Make The Most Of “Car Chats”
Many parenting experts agree that car time can be golden conversation time. While driving kids to or from practices and activities, take a moment to check in. Make this a device-free time where you can really talk.
Ask questions that get to the heart of how they are feeling, rather than simple questions that can be answered with one word. Some examples are: What made you happy today? What are you most anxious about right now and how can I help you with that? Who is your best friend right now and why?
Post-it Positivity!
A few times a week, leave a post-it note somewhere for your child to find! The bathroom mirror, inside their lunchbox, or in their dance bag are all great places! The possibilities are endless. You can write a positive affirmation on the note, draw a silly picture to make them smile, or write a simple I love you. This small gesture will give them an irreplaceable moment of joy in their day!
Help Your Child Process Big Feelings
We can’t be 100% happy 100% of the time, so why should we expect our children to be? When negative emotions arise, help your child through them by offering empathy. Let them vent and also remind them that feelings don’t last forever.
Negative emotions are a part of life, but the more we learn to confront and accept them, the more resilient we become. By helping your child to work through difficult situations rather than gloss them over or trying to immediately “fix” them, you teach them to become strong individuals who won’t shut down if they feel anything other than happiness.
Remember That You Are Your Child’s Greatest Teacher
Talk to them in age-appropriate ways about your own joys or daily struggles. Open up the conversation to be a two-way street. As challenging as it can be sometimes, model self-care for your children by doing things simply to take care of you. The more they see you setting a healthy example, the more likely they are to grow up healthy and strong like you!