It’s National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, and we touched based with an expert from UMD.
Dr. Rhea Owens is a psychology professor at the College of Education and Human Services Professions.
She explained more about positive psychology, which involves the scientific study of strengths, well-being, and optimal human functioning.
Research shows that focusing on strengths, relationships, and daily habits can play a powerful role in supporting mental health and well-being.
Parents and other loved ones can play an important role. “A concrete idea that I can share is even just spending 15 minutes of very quality time together can be very impactful, where an adult is giving their full attention, there aren’t any distractions, they’re doing things with their child that their child enjoys,” Dr. Owens said.
She also suggested taking time to acknowledge gratitude and the impact of small acts of kindness.
https://news.d.umn.edu/articles/expert-alert-positive-parenting-rhea-owens
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