HJNO Nov/Dec 2023

40 NOV / DEC 2023 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS CHILDREN’S HEALTH COLUMN CHILDREN’S HEALTH AS SOMEONE who wears both the hats of a child psychiatrist and a mother, I un- derstand the significance of fostering good mental health from a young age. Our world is changing so fast, and with that comes a greater need to equip our children with the tools to tackle whatever life throws at them. Talking to them about mental health isn’t just a responsibility; it’s an act of love NURTURINGYOUNGMINDS: Three Ways to Talk to Children About the Importance of Mental Health that will stay with them as they grow up. Here are three approaches I use to talk to my own children about the importance of mental health. Kindness and empathy Planting seeds of compassion: One of the most powerful ways we can teach our children about mental health is by culti- vating kindness and empathy. Empathy is the cornerstone of understanding and sup- porting the emotional well-being of others. I guide my kids to recognize that people experience various emotions in response to different situations. This developmental understanding is essential, as young minds often struggle to grasp that others may not feel the same way they do. We also talk