Join hosts Angelee Aedo and Cammy Whitchurch with special guest Cindy Gerhardt, National PTA's Healthy Minds Ambassador, for a powerful conversation about mental health and children's emotional wellbeing. Recorded at Utah PTA's convention, this episode explores how PTA leaders can identify struggling children, start conversations about anxiety and mental health, and access National PTA's Healthy Minds resources.

Cindy shares her journey from carnival chair to national ambassador, revealing how childhood trauma informed her passion for mental health advocacy. Learn about post-2020 impacts on resilience, practical strategies for addressing anxiety and grief, and why mental health deserves equal attention to physical health.

Key Points

• Mental health equals physical health: Sound mental health is critical for children reaching their potential
• Post-2020 crisis: Resilience dropped dramatically; self-harm and suicide rates require urgent attention
• Hidden struggles: Children facing unstable housing or trauma often go unseen while we focus on programs
• National resources: Anxiety assessments, conversation starters, grief materials (Sesame Street partnership), grant funding for wellness initiatives
• Model vulnerability: Adults sharing struggles appropriately teaches children empathy and healthy coping
• Social media impact: Readiness matters before giving children platform access
• Cindy's motto: "All children are our children"—see beyond your own family

Takeaways

For PTA Leaders:

• Apply for Healthy Minds grants for calming rooms, yoga classes, wellness fairs
• Visit pta.org for free anxiety assessments, talking points, grief support
• Register for National PTA's virtual convention (June) featuring mental health workshops
• Celebrate small wins—30 attendees means 30 children with better opportunities
• Serve on state committees to deepen PTA knowledge and connections

For Parents and Caregivers:

• Practice self-care—you can't pour from an empty cup
• Start mental health conversations; eliminate stigma at home
• Share struggles appropriately: "I had a tough day and didn't handle this well"
• Teach children Sesame Street's grief tool: hug yourself and affirm "I'm still me"
• Balance feelings with resilience—acknowledge emotions, then move forward positively

For School Communities:

• Try the "five adults" model: staff members make daily positive contact with assigned student groups
• Look beyond surfaces—struggling families may hide behind nice appearances
• Validate volunteers' efforts; they're not alone
• Attend state conventions—first-timers leave validated and energized

Remember: Every child is in your circle of influence for a reason. PTA's 127-year mission of protecting children continues—only the challenges have evolved from mines to mental health.