PYLUSD Newsletter | Making Mental Health Matter!

AUGUST 2018

Supporting your child’s mental health

The start of a new academic year always brings about excitement and nerves within our students. Some of
your children will be returning to the same school, but will embark on a new journey with different teachers
and classmates. Others will be venturing to a new school with different class structures and expectations.

We want parents and caregivers to feel encouraged in supporting their children’s mental health needs during
this new transition. Thank you for commitment to advocating for and supporting your child’s mental health!

As your child continues to grow, he or she will be
challenged in school with new subjects and
different ways to complete assignments. You can
help your child gain time management skills by:
- Creating a quiet and technology-free
space for homework completion
- Encouraging your child to take breaks
during homework
- Setting and sticking to a reasonable bed
time
Another way to be an advocate for your child’s
mental health is to encourage playtime and
regular physical activity. As parents, you can
promote play by:
- Registering them to play on a local sports
team
- Helping them find a technology-free
activity or hobby
- Setting a good example of physical
activity by taking walks together

http://www.sandiegofamily.com/parenting/10-
tips-to-teach-your-kids-time-management http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/every-child-needs

Mental health is defined as “successful performance of mental function, resulting in

productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to change and
to cope with adversity.”
U.S Surgeon General. (1999). Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General .
Retrieved from https://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/ps/access/NNBBHV.pdf
Additional Resources
We want to provide you with the tools and resoucres so you feel equipped in supporting your child and
promoting his or her mental health. Below are additional community resources which you may find helpful.

- The R.E.A.C.H Foundation - Yorba Linda/Placentia Family YMCA

o Website: www.reach4pylusd.org o Website: www.ymcaoc.org
o Phone: 714-323-9706 o Phone: 714-549-9622

- PYLUSD Nutrition Services - Boys & Girls Clubs of Brea – Placentia –

o Website: www.pylusdnutrition.org Yorba Linda
o Phone: 714-985-8610 o Website: www.everykid.org
o Phone: 714-990-0215

We understand how difficult it may be to talk to your children about mental health. When
you are ready to have a conversation with your child, start by asking these questions:
- Can you tell me more about what is happening? How are you feeling?
- Have you had feelings like this in the past?
- Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I’m here to listen. How
can I help you feel better?
- Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about your problem?

We applaud parents and caregivers for having the courage to have this conversation with
their children. Keep these tips in mind when you are talking with your child:
- Communicate in a straightforward manner
- Speak at a level that is appropriate to a child’s age and development level
- Discuss the topic when your child feels safe and comfortable
- Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if your child
becomes confused or looks upset
- Listen openly and let your child tell you about his or her feelings and worries
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers

We must work together to promote the mental well-being of our children and
our communitiy. PYLUSD seeks to continue our collaboration with students,
parents, educators, and community resources to promote mental health.

Thank you for your commitment!