Mindful Moments: A Monthly Guide for Families Mental Health Awareness Month

May 2026 Mindful Moments: A Monthly Guide for Families

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! This month (as with every month) is an excellent time to slow down, reduce stigma, and talk about feelings and mental health with our children. It’s never too early to talk about mental health with kids. This month, let’s explore ways to nurture our mental health every day.

Conversation Starters:

• What does feeling “happy” or “sad” look like for you?
• Who do you feel safe talking to about your feelings?
• How do you support others when they have negative emotions?
• How do you want support when you feel negative emotions?

Well-Being Toolbox 
Planning ahead, and discussing how to approach big feelings can be both empowering and helpful. Create a ‘toolbox’ of coping skills,
strategies, or people to talk to when “x” or “y” emotion pops up. Write them down, and put them somewhere that can be seen in the
house (ex. the fridge door).

Mindfulness Bottles
This craft is both fun and practical. Fill a recycled water bottle with warm water, clear glue, glitter, and food coloring. When a big feeling arises, shake the bottle and watch the glitter fall down. Practice deep breathing until the glitter settles and slows down.

A check-in for you!
(you deserve to hear it)
Parenting isn’t easy, and it’s okay to admit when things feel overwhelming. Taking care of your own mental health is just as important as caring for your child. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness. You’re doing the best you can, and it’s okay to lean on others when you need to.

Coping Skills Corner
Circle of Control
The “circle of control” is a visual representation of what is in your control, and what isn’t.

When a situation is stressful, or something isn’t going your child’s way, practice using this circle to develop things that you can control, and things you can’t.

ex. I can’t control the weather, but I can have fun inside if we can’t go to the pool.

https://www.cuttingedge-therapy.com/
You are not alone!
 

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