The Mental Health of Preschoolers and Families

Healthy bodies and healthy minds. That is what we want for our preschoolers as they grow.

We make sure preschoolers eat healthy foods, place limits on unhealthy foods, and ensure they get the sleep needed for their bodies to grow.

To help preschoolers’ minds develop, we focus on what they learn about letters, words, numbers, counting, and the names of colors. These activities focus on brain growth, but there is more to mental health than helping preschoolers’ brains to grow.

September 2022 begins our next Project HELP emphasis: Mental Health.

As we introduce Project HELP: Mental Health, let’s begin with what mental health is.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.¹

Preschoolers and Their Families

As you teach preschoolers in your church, you may touch the lives of preschoolers and families who are experiencing mental health challenges. You can respond with care and a message of hope.

The first step is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and to know the resources available in your community that can provide help for those who are hurting.

Each quarter this year, we will share an article for preschool leaders to look at the scope and impact of mental health challenges on preschoolers and families. We will also share ways to promote good mental health as you teach preschoolers.

Project HELP: Mental Health is an opportunity for each of us to be aware of how mental health challenges affect all of our lives and respond in ways that point to hope and healing.

Resources

Through Project HELP: Mental Health, WMU provides multiple avenues for churches to raise awareness of mental health as a critical issue in all of our lives and equip members to lead and champion mental health initiatives both in the church and in local communities.

Click here to see our resources for learning about mental health individually and as a congregation and how you and your church can help those experiencing mental health challenges.