A Children’s First Mental Health Primer – Protection from Social Isolation

Apr 12, 2020 by Sue Weston

By Sue Weston

Last fall a unique children’s book, Ethan’s Healthy Mind Express, was published and targeting atypicals in the newly labeled Alpha Generation, ages 5 to 10 as “A Children’s First Mental Health Primer,” according to the book’s subtitle. In a little over 90 days it received endorsements by psychologists, a neurologist, and even one state senator. Ethan’s Healthy Mind Express, helps children and parents understand the deep resonating messages of inclusion, bolstering self-esteem and community support. It warns about the dark web and social media pitfalls that can lead to isolation for all kids, which is especially important with social distancing due to the COVID-19 crisis.

In 40 pages of catchy rhymes and 19 brilliant hand-cut colorful mesmerizing paper illustrations, the book addresses topics such as coping with challenging emotions, being nice to those who may appear different, and seeking support from teachers, counselors, parents and others preferably face-to-face (after quarantining ends) or face-to-face over a phone or the Internet where people are trusted and known. It also has a section on internet safety, including the dangers of the dark web. Children do not always make it known they struggle to learn and/or socialize. In this excerpt that lesson is clear:

“Evan needs help to learn
No matter how hard he tries
his brain works differently
than most other guys.

He wants to know everything
the teacher has to say,
but it’s hard to pay attention
in class every day.”

The story starts with seven children: Rena, Evan, Leah, Jesse, Hannah, Josh and Max, with different but relevant social challenges who board Engine 403, a whimsical express train that barrels through colorful communal influential spheres that influence us all, such as: family, faith, school, the community, and the media. During the ride, several overarching social types receive some behavioral remedies and prudent advice. Just before its last stop, a call for all community support, a little discussed lesson that can harm children reminds all of us that the virtual world has dangers:

“We have now come
to a bump in the track.
It’s called the dark web,
but we cannot turn back.

Do not seek advice
even if they act like they care.
They still are strangers
so always beware.”

The text is in green because that is the color of mental health. And on May 7^th a celebration about children and their mental health is the mantra of the annual National Children’s Mental Health Day.

The story by Emily Lane Waszak and Erik Bean as illustrated by Gail Gorske was published by the Ethan Bean Mental Wellness Foundation, a nonprofit public charity dedicated to removing societal stigma and improving acceptance and support for those with mental health issues. The Michigan based foundation is hopeful the lessons of the book will be a mainstay in education for years to come. “Elementary school curriculum developers can benefit by including the book in their lineup of socialization skills,” says Sherry Wexler, educational coordinator at the non-profit. “Atypicals are the fastest growing population among elementary school children.” Wexler said, “Atypical or not, Ethan’s Healthy Mind Express is designed to help all children, parents, and the community be more aware of the challenging socialization issues especially unique to the Alpha Generation.”

This book was made possible with partial funding by Temple Shir Shalom of West Bloomfield, Michigan and printed by FCI Digital, of Carrollton, OH. Proceeds from the book will be used to sponsor other educational initiatives. Ethan’s Healthy Mind Express is available for under $10 and can be immediately downloadable on Amazon ebook as well as a portable paperback version (ISBN: 978-0-692-03655-6) and a hardcover version (ISBN 978-1-7344744-0-4).