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

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…

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!

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...

Saturday Morning Story Time

Sat, Jul 18 10:30am
Fort Hamilton Library

babies & books storytime

Join us for stories and songs...

Family Storytime

Sat, Jul 18 11:00am
Brooklyn Heights Library, Craft Room

early literacy first five years kids

Join us for storytime! We'll enjoy a celebration of learning and literacy with books, music, and movement while meeting other members of the community for a great opportunity to have fun and make friends.

For all ages and their grownups.

No registration required.

Ready, Set, Kindergarten!

Sat, Jul 18 11:00am
Dyker Library

early literacy preschool storytime ready set kindergarten

In this special six-session reading readiness series, families enjoy stories & activities designed to encourage the development of early learning practices, rooted in the Science of Reading. Exploring literacy, science, & math through music, stories, art, & play will help you &…

Saturday Storytime : Stomp, Clap, And Sing with Conroy Warren

Sat, Jul 18 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.

Due to limited space, small groups of 5 or more, camps, schools,…

Ready, Set, Kindergarten!

Sat, Jul 18 11:00am
Sheepshead Bay Library

early literacy preschool storytime ready set kindergarten

Saturdays 11:00AM - 12:00PM

July 11, 18, 25, August 8, 15, 22

In this special six session series, families enjoy stories & activities designed to encourage the development of early learning practices. Exploring literacy, science, & math through music, stories, art, & play…

Ready, Set, Kindergarten

Sat, Jul 18 11:00am
Cortelyou Library

early literacy preschool storytime ready set kindergarten

In this special six session series, families enjoy stories & activities designed to encourage the development of early learning practices. Exploring literacy, science & math through music, stories, art & play will help you and your child get ready for school! Families will receive…

 

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

 

Post a Comment

While BPL encourages an open forum, posts and comments are moderated by library staff. BPL reserves the right, within its sole discretion, not to post and to remove submissions or comments that are unlawful or violate this policy. While comments will not be edited by BPL personnel, a comment may be deleted if it violates our comment policy.

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
CAPTCHA
 eNews Signup

Get the latest updates from BPL and be the first to know about new programs, author talks, exciting events and opportunities to support your local library.

Sign Up