Mental Health Awareness Month

Sarah

May is Mental Health Awareness Month so we will be sharing resources: information, books and programs all about mental health for children. 

Information:

Mental health is important at all ages! The CDC notes that mental health in childhood means "reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems." Some ways to help children cope with various things is to talk openly about feelings, practice transitions (songs can help with this!) and explore mindfulness practices like breathing exercises. 

Books:

Books are a great way to explore these topics with children and open up conversations about feelings. Below are some suggestions of favorite titles. At the bottom of the page, you will find a booklist featuring books for kids--ranging from picture books to middle grade titles--that discuss topics of mindfulness, mental health, anxiety and depression.

Book Cover_Sometimes all I need is me
Sometimes All I Need is Me by Juliano Perdoma: (Ages 2-5) A young girl finds comfort and confidence within as she makes the best of any situation, in a text that highlights the themes of resiliency, , mindfulness, and self-care.

 

Book cover-ruby finds a worry
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival: (Ages 4-6) A young girl's sense of adventure and exploration vanishes when she discovers a Worry that grows and grows until she learns how to get rid of it.

 

Book Cover-How To Become a Planet
How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby: (Ages 9-12) A powerful coming of age story about a young girl named Pluto experiencing anxiety and depression. She develops a plan and a checklist to try to become her old self again. But it takes a new therapist, a new tutor, and a new (and cute) friend with a checklist and plan of her own for Pluto to learn that there is no old and new Pluto. There’s just her. 
Book cover-making memories
Making Memories: Practice Mindfulness, Learn to Journal and Scrapbook, Find Everyday Calm by Amy Tangerine : (Ages 8%2B) A unique combination of mindfulness, journaling, and scrapbooking activities helping you to value the little things, cherish memories, and find calm every day. Each activity and thought encourages a sense of calm or wellbeing, which helps children to live in the moment and make memories in the real world. 
Programs:

Storytimes at the library are a great way for children to develop their social and emotional skills. Many branches are offering in person Storytimes that you can find here and virtual Storytimes that you can find here. Additionally, you can click the link below to watch a virtual Storytime geared towards ages 3-5 all about mindfulness! Kids will learn different tools to stay present, think about their emotions and work through them in a healthy way. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

Upcoming Events

Babies & Books

Thu, Jul 16 10:30am
Greenpoint Library

babies & books first five years storytime

Babies & Books: Ages 0-18 months (10:30am session)

Thu, Jul 16 10:30am
Brooklyn Heights Library, Craft Room

babies & books early literacy first five years

Join us for stories and songs!

For ages 0 to 18 months and their caregivers

Please be on time -- doors will close after a 10-minute grace period.

Registration is required for attendance and opens 48 hours in advance. 

There are two storytimes listed for this day.…

Story Play

Thu, Jul 16 11:00am
Rugby, Meeting Room

babies & books early literacy first five years

Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and more! For children aged 18 months – to 5 years (with a caregiver). Please come early so you have time to settle in and to minimize disruptions. We will start promptly at 11:00 AM. Stay after the stories for a short playtime.

Due to limited…

Babies & Books

Thu, Jul 16 11:00am
Gerritsen Beach, Small Program Room

babies & books early literacy first five years

Enjoy a special storytime designed for bonding with your baby while connecting with other caregivers in the community. Together we’ll explore books, songs, rhymes, and movement while helping little ones build early learning and language skills.

For babies ages 0–18 months and their…

Babies & Books

Thu, Jul 16 11:15am
Greenpoint Library

babies & books first five years storytime

Babies & Books: Ages 0-18 months (11:15am session)

Thu, Jul 16 11:15am
Brooklyn Heights Library, Craft Room

babies & books early literacy first five years

Join us for stories and songs!

For ages 0 to 18 months and their caregivers

Please be on time -- doors will close after a 10-minute grace period.

Registration is required for attendance and opens 48 hours in advance. 

There are two storytimes listed for this day.…

Babies & Books

Fri, Jul 17 10:30am
Flatbush, Large Meeting Room

babies & books early literacy first five years

At Flatbush Library, enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for babies, birth to 18 months and their participating caregivers. Stay and play after the program to meet new friends!

Namaste! Welcome to Toddler Yoga at the Library

Fri, Jul 17 10:30am
Marcy, Meeting Room

first five years toddler yoga

Looking for a playful way to burn off some morning energy and bond with your little one? Bring your toddlers to the Marcy Library this summer for a fun, interactive, and completely FREE Toddler Yoga series!

Through storytelling, silly songs, and gentle movement, your child will learn…

Story and Play Time

Fri, Jul 17 11:00am
Kings Bay Library

first five years preschool storytime storytime

Bring your toddlers to the library! They will learn songs and finger games, listen to stories, wacth puppet shows, and interact with other kids.

Toddler Play Time

Fri, Jul 17 11:00am
Fort Hamilton, Meeting Room

Build with Lego toddler time

Play with a variety of toys to challenge young minds and have fun...

 

This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.

 

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