Within just weeks of the law passing, parents started dropping off their kids.
Twentytwo of the children were ’51 year old’ grandmother dropped off a ’12 year old’ boy. None of them were infants. One father dropped off his entire family nine children from ages one to Others drove from neighboring states to drop off their children once they heard that they could abandon them without repercussion. Children need to learn the rules of the family unit, as members of a family.
Offer guidance and discipline that is fair and consistent.
They will take these social skills and rules of conduct to school and eventually to the workplace. Remember, this attitude can be discouraging and frustrating to children who are learning and experimenting with new activities.
In our goaloriented society, we often acknowledge only success and winning. It’s more important for children to participate and enjoy themselves. At quite similar time, children need to learn that certain behaviors are unacceptable and that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions. Children need the opportunity to explore and develop new skills and independence. Children can also learn academic basics as well as how to make decisions and cope with problems. Try to enroll them in a ‘preschool’, Head Start, or similar community program which provides an opportunity to be with other kids and make new friends. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. Remember, I know it’s easy for parents to identify their child’s physical needs. Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self confidence, high ‘self esteem’, and a healthy emotional outlook on life. Then, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious.
First step is to figure out what actually is frightening them, Therefore if your children have fears that shan’t go away and affect can be signs of childhood fears. Children who play sick or feel anxious regularly may have change in normal eating and sleeping patterns may also signal an unhealthy fear. You see, consult your pediatrician or contact a mental health professional, if you suspect a big issue or have questions. Your observations with those of teachers and similar caregivers may lead you to seek help for your child. Then, parents and family members are usually the first to notice if a child has problems with emotions or behavior.
Ann Miller is a certified mental health coach and wellness writer with a strong background in psychology and emotional resilience. With over a decade of experience in helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, and burnout, Ann specializes in making complex mental health topics accessible and empowering.
She holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and has worked with both individual clients and organizations to promote emotional well-being and work-life balance. Through her writing, Ann aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health and offer practical, compassionate guidance for everyday challenges.
When she's not writing or consulting, Ann enjoys early morning yoga, quiet reading time, and exploring nature trails with her dog. Her personal philosophy: "Mental health is not a luxury — it’s a foundation for everything we do."