In today’s world, mental health issues and behavioral disorders are more prevalent among children than ever before. The CDC indicates that approximately 1 in 7 children aged 2-8 years is diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (MBDD). This statistic only includes those who have received formal diagnoses.
MBDDs tend to affect boys, non-Hispanic white children, and those living in poverty, but they can impact any child. It’s crucial that we all contribute to tackling this issue by providing kids with the resources, support, coping strategies, and love they need.
You might think that schools, where children spend much of their time, would prioritize these concerns. While many educators genuinely care for their students, seeing them as their own, the question remains: Are schools doing enough to address the socio-emotional well-being of their students? Why isn’t mental health incorporated into the curriculum as prominently as math or reading? Teaching children how to be compassionate and collaborative members of society should be as critical as any other subject.
One teacher, Laura Thompson—who has been a kindergarten teacher at Maplewood Elementary School in Springfield, Illinois for over a decade—strongly believes in this. Thompson recently shared a heartfelt post on social media discussing these issues. She expressed her desire for her students to “thrive not just academically, but as individuals,” emphasizing her approach to fostering their mental health alongside their educational success.
Thompson is truly an inspiration. Her students are incredibly fortunate to have her.
“I’ve been troubled by the constant news of school shootings and debates over safety plans,” Thompson wrote. “What disturbs me the most is the blame game between parents and teachers. I refuse to be part of that discussion.”
Instead, she focuses on actionable steps and honest conversations about mental health that teachers can have with their students. “I mold young minds,” Thompson says. “I can make school an inviting space and show them that learning can be enjoyable. I choose to make that happen. My students become my family.”
Thompson worries about her students day and night. Each morning, she welcomes them at the door, offering warmth and affection, understanding that, for some, her hugs may be the only love they experience that day. She also provides extra snacks for hungry children and ensures that low-income students have shoes, coats, and clothing.
These seemingly small gestures have a significant impact on the lives of these kids and are just as vital as teaching them academics.
“Throughout the years, I’ve encountered children who have faced abuse, neglect, and the loss of parents to illness or suicide,” Thompson shared. “Many have parents who struggle with addiction, depression, or other mental health issues.”
She notes that numerous students also grapple with their own mental health challenges, with many requiring weekly counseling due to anxiety. “These circumstances were once rare but have become a disheartening norm,” Thompson reflects.
However, Thompson believes that merely providing love and meeting basic needs isn’t sufficient. She asserts that schools need to adopt programs that directly address students’ mental health, and since she hasn’t seen significant efforts in this area, she decided to take action herself.
Last year, she successfully secured a grant for an after-school yoga and mindfulness program, which attracted over 100 participants. “This was my first step toward initiating change,” Thompson said.
But she aimed to achieve even more, leading to her latest initiative. “I am committed to starting a movement that prioritizes mental health education in schools,” she wrote. “Self-management, growth mindset, social awareness, respect, and responsibility must be integrated into our curriculum. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts and insufficient state funding, these essential topics often get overlooked.”
In her post, she proposed a mental health reading list to serve as a foundation for a mental health awareness curriculum for younger children. This list, shared via an Amazon Wish List, includes books addressing topics like divorce, grief, and fostering friendships—critical issues that need open discussion.
Thompson revealed to other educators that her “wish list” has been fully funded for her own school and has been widely shared, with many other schools now receiving these valuable books. “It’s heartwarming to know that my wish list is inspiring others to initiate their movements,” she shared. “I’ve received messages from teachers, librarians, and parents eager to utilize this list to support their children. It’s an honor to contribute to this growing movement.”
We need more educators like Thompson who are dedicated to fostering conversations about mental health. In today’s climate, it’s vital that we prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of our children. It’s encouraging to see teachers taking the initiative to address this crucial issue and providing essential support for their students.
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In summary, Laura Thompson’s dedication to her students’ mental health has sparked a significant movement in schools, advocating for the integration of mental health education into the curriculum. Her efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing children’s emotional well-being alongside their academic success.
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