In recent years, the prevalence of mental health and behavioral disorders among children has surged. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 7 children between the ages of 2 and 8 have been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder (MBDD). This statistic only reflects those who have received a formal diagnosis.
MBDDs are particularly common among boys, non-Hispanic white children, those aged 6 to 8, and children living in poverty. However, no child is immune, which underscores the importance of collectively addressing this issue. It’s crucial to provide children with the necessary resources, support, coping strategies, and basic care they need.
One would assume that schools, where children spend most of their time, would prioritize these issues. While many educators are deeply committed to their students’ welfare, there remains a significant gap in how schools address socio-emotional well-being compared to core subjects like math and reading. Teaching children how to be empathetic and cooperative members of society is as essential as any academic subject.
Meet Lisa Hargrove
Enter Lisa Hargrove, a kindergarten teacher at Maplewood Elementary in Springfield, Illinois, who has dedicated the last 12 years to her students. Recently, she shared a powerful and heartfelt post on social media, expressing her desire for her students to thrive not just academically but also personally. She emphasized the importance of nurturing mental health alongside academic success.
“I’ve been losing a lot of sleep lately,” Hargrove wrote. “My feed is filled with news about school shootings, safety plans, and debates on gun control. What disturbs me most is the blame directed at schools and teachers by parents and vice versa. I am not here to engage in that debate.”
Taking Action
So, what does Hargrove believe we should focus on? It’s all about taking concrete actions and initiating meaningful conversations with students about mental health. “I shape children,” Hargrove stated. “I am often the first step they take outside their homes. I want my classroom to be a place they look forward to, where learning is enjoyable. I make that choice every day. My students become like my own children.”
Hargrove worries about her students constantly. Each morning, she greets them at the door with warmth and affection, understanding that, for many, her hugs may be the only kindness they experience each day. She goes above and beyond, providing extra snacks for hungry children and ensuring that low-income students have shoes, coats, and other necessities.
These small gestures can profoundly impact the lives of her students, proving just as vital as teaching them to read or do math.
“Throughout the years, I’ve had students who have faced abuse, neglect, and parental incarceration. I’ve seen children with terminally ill parents and some who have lost a parent to illness or suicide,” Hargrove shared. “Many of my students grapple with anxiety that necessitates weekly counseling. These situations that used to be rare have now become disturbingly common.”
However, Hargrove recognizes that simply showering her students with love isn’t sufficient. She advocates for schools to implement comprehensive programs aimed at addressing children’s mental health. Frustrated by the lack of action, she decided to take the initiative herself.
Last year, she successfully secured a grant for an afterschool yoga and mindfulness program, which over 100 children eagerly joined. “This was just my first step toward effecting change,” Hargrove said.
A Vision for the Future
But she didn’t stop there. “I am determined to ignite a movement prioritizing mental health education in schools,” she asserted. “We need to teach self-management, growth mindset, social awareness, respect, and responsibility. While I dream of integrating this into our curriculum, financial constraints often push it aside.”
In her post, she proposed a mental health reading list intended to serve as a foundation for a mental health awareness curriculum for young children. This list includes titles addressing critical topics such as divorce, grief, and living with autism, which are essential discussions that should be openly addressed. It’s inspiring to see a teacher take the initiative to create such important educational resources.
Hargrove informed us that not only has her wish list been fulfilled for her own school, but it has also been widely shared, leading many other schools to receive these vital books for their classrooms. “It’s gratifying to know that others are using my list to launch their own movements,” she expressed. “I’ve heard from teachers, librarians, and parents all eager to use this as a starting point to support their children. I’m honored to be part of this movement and excited to see it grow.”
The education system needs more dedicated educators like Hargrove. She has truly ignited a movement and initiated a crucial conversation that is more important than ever. It is vital that we do not overlook the mental and emotional well-being of our children. It warms the heart to witness educators taking charge of this pressing issue and showing up for our kids in such a significant manner.
Further Resources
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Summary
Lisa Hargrove, a dedicated kindergarten teacher, has initiated a vital movement for mental health awareness in schools. By providing love, support, and advocating for mental health education, she aims to address the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among children. Her efforts, including securing a grant for a yoga and mindfulness program and creating a mental health reading list, highlight the need for schools to prioritize emotional well-being just as they do academic success.