ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Both state and Buncombe County officials say they have one thing in common when it comes to students’ mental health.
Officials agree that the common denominator is the role of parents, who play the most important role when it comes to their children’s mental health.
“It starts at home,” Carla Jones, executive director of Mountain Child Advocacy Center, told News 13. “It works through the schools, and if they need more help they can come to Mountain Child Advocacy Center or other resources in the community that can help. I think it’s the parents’ job that’s most important.”
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“It’s about parents understanding that they have to get into that rhythm and do what’s called reflexive listening. They have to say, ‘Yes, I understand what you’re saying.'”
Experts like Jones say the best thing to do is give students as many opportunities to speak up as possible after they get home from a long day at school.
“As parents, we don’t always do it well,” Jones says, “so if you’re there to support your child, connect with them, remind them they’re loved and valued, and practice those same habits, that will help them in ways that you can start doing at home.”
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What may not seem like a problem to adults can weigh heavily on elementary and high school students’ minds, but therapy and other counseling resources are still needed and not all families can afford them.
“Simple things like not knowing who their teacher is or not knowing anyone in class can be very stressful for kids,” Jones said. “That’s why organizations like Mountain Child Advocacy Center go into schools and find kids and staff who need help.”
Jones said that’s why Buncombe County organizations like Mountain Child Advocacy Center go into schools and run programs.
“We have a prevention education program in place,” Jones told News 13. “We go into the schools and give safety lessons, and we get a lot of confessions from kids through that. We follow up with kids and make sure they get the help they need throughout the school year.”
For more information about Mountain Child Advocacy Center’s programs and resources for students in Buncombe County and surrounding areas, visit the center’s Website.
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