Public Schools of Robeson County

Mental Health Minute

July, 10, 2024

Mental Health and Wellness

National Purposeful Parenting Month

The month of July is National Purposeful Parenting Month which allows time to stimulate constructive and powerful relationships with your kids. It also allows time to highlight healthy communication skills and assist them in growing up independently.  

Parents who practice purposeful parenting are more likely to have kids who are healthy-minded because they feel supported and like they have a safe place with their parents to discuss their mental health concerns.

Here are five (5) tips on ways to be a purposeful parent to your children:

1. Make an effort to listen - Talk about resolutions with them, support them, and encourage them instead of fussing or lecturing them.
   

2. Be mindful of what they are watching or where they are - When children are not home, it’s smart to be mindful of where they are and what they’re doing. It’s also important to be mindful of what they are watching on TV and on their phones.
   

3. Assist children in taking steps to avoid substance use - 

   • Talk with them about why substances are harmful

   • Talk with them about your rules and expectations of them

   • Touch base with them regularly 

   • Become familiar with who their friends are 

   • Talk to identify if they are making positive choices.

4. Eat supper together as a family - This helps children to be lively and energetic and to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Eating supper together has been linked to better academic performance and decreased mental health issues. 

   
   

5. Take care of yourself - Take the time to enjoy the things you like to do and complete self-care! 😊  

Happy Mental Health,

Nancy Powell, MSW, SCORE Project Coordinator