Multiple Conversations

This episode is a bit all over the place - we cover a listener question about a 4 year old who is focusing too much on a boy in her classroom who professed his like for her. And in a hard left turn, we talk more about mental health in light of the Nashville shooting last week.

So many of us grew up with a focus on relationships - Disney movies, relationships, etc. and we as parents are trying to make sure our young kids aren't focused on these types of relationships and are just learning to interact with peers in a healthy way.
1. Try to understand what they think the words mean
2. Talk about all kinds of friendships
3. Pay attention to the subliminal messages being sent
4. Watch the type of media being consumed
5. Enlist help

Constantly asking about relationships, how many people kids like or like them starts to teach them that their worth is tied to how many people like them or how many girlfriends someone has. This sets our little kids up for unhealthy ideas about relationships, self-worth, sex, and more. The goal is teaching our kids to have healthy relationships. 

And now the shooting....
Those of us in the mental health field get really frustrated with all the conversations about mental health when something like this most recent shooting happen. Different labels get thrown around, solutions get proposed that aren't possible or don't fit with our current system, and really damaging statements get made regarding people struggling with mental health.

Things to consider if you think we should just institutionalize more people with mental health concerns:
1. Where will they go? Does your state have enough beds in mental health facilities?
2. For what are you willing to take away someone's right to freedom?
3. Who decides when someone should be institutionalized?  Who decides when they are released?
4. Who's going to pay for this? Who pays for the professional staffing the institutions?
5. What's the criteria? A diagnosis? Certain behaviors? What will this do for awareness and transparency?

Subscribe, rate, and review us on Podchaser, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Follow us on social media to join the conversation!!!
Facebook
Instagram