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Even if your child is mentally healthy, he or she IS going to school with a child that isn’t and it can impact YOUR child greatly.

Most children are not born with mental illness. I’m not talking about developmental disabilities like autism, or downs syndrome, I’m talking about mental illness like bi-polar disorder, depression, or anxiety.

Kids are not born depressed or anxious. Usually, they develop these conditions after trauma, or because they live in an unstable environment. Kids who grow up in households with parents who fight exhibit the same symptoms as kids who grow up in war torn countries with bombs going off daily.

Kids who grow up with parents who struggle with mental illness or addiction are almost guaranteed to suffer from mental illness or drug / alcohol addiction themselves. While there are some legitimate mental disorders that a child can develop even in the best of circumstances, the majority of psychological issues come from the environment.

The child that sees mom getting beat up by dad will almost certainly find themselves in an abusive relationship. The child that witnesses a drunk or high parent, will almost certainly abuse drugs or alcohol. The child that caters to a depressed parent that won’t get out of bed, will also struggle with depression. It’s called inter-generational transmission. You are transmitting your choices, behaviors, actions, and problems to your children and it becomes their way of life.

There is some good news though. The parent who makes a conscious effort to get healthy will also impact their kids in a healthy way! Let your kids see you making healthy choices, and they will too! Let your kid see you walking outdoors, throwing out all the cigarettes and beer, getting up off the couch or out of bed, reading self help books, or making changes with the help of a professional coach or therapist.

I can’t tell you how soul crushing it is to see a young person in crisis because of learned helplessness. We bitch and complain about kids these days but WHO is taking a stand to step up and educate young people to be healthy and whole? Today… I am and I hope you will too!

Here’s what we can do:

1 Start at home. If you have challenges, especially psychological issues, GET HELP NOW. Don’t wait another moment. Pick up the phone and schedule an appointment, and start making healthier choices. Do it for yourself and for YOUR future generations who will all be impacted by your choice today!

2 Spread the word. If you know people who are struggling, let them know they can get help! Share this email, or offer them a self help book. Offer to go with them to their first coaching or therapy session, or take them to a self help workshop!

3 Educate your children. Personal growth and development doesn’t have to begin in adulthood. Kids today are super smart and can understand the concepts of taking care of their mental health. All kids need coaches too! They need a trusted adult that they can learn from and lean on besides their parent. Kids with mentors or coaches are 55% more likely to go to college, 130% more likely to hold leadership positions, and are 46% less likely to use drugs!

You DO have the power to impact your self, kids, family, schools, community, and world! Please help me get the word out so we can make a difference. Every parent we help; is a child that has a better future!

Contact me right now if you want coaching for yourself, your child, or if you need help sharing this message with your local schools or organization!

Spread the love, and live inspired now!

Love,

Heather