May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which means it’s an ideal time to sit down with your child and have an open conversation about mental and emotional wellness.
A simple way to introduce your child to mental health is by reading a book that explores the topic in an easy-to-understand approach. This is why wellness leader and children’s book author Mary Beth Perrone wrote I Have Superpowers, a book that teaches young readers how to tap into the secret weapon that each of us has within: our breathing.
According to the most recent data provided by the CDC, mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders begin in early childhood. In 2016, one in six children in the United States aged 2–8 years had a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. While it’s never too late to talk to your child about the importance of mental and emotional well-being, this data reveals that earlier is usually better.
“Kids have never felt more stress and anxiety. The statistics are staggering. Kids don’t know how to articulate how they are feeling so it is important we give them tools for inner peace,” said Perrone.
I Have Superpowers follows Zander, a young boy who has difficulty controlling his emotions. During his seventh-birthday celebration, Zander screams when his dog swipes his cupcake. After his outburst, Zander’s mom gives him a very powerful present. She teaches him how to use deep breathing to calm down. Once Zander puts the breathing technique into practice, he realizes that he does indeed have a superpower.
Through the breathing methods demonstrated in I Have Superpowers, Mary Beth hopes to combat the rising numbers of childhood mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders by showing children how to remain in control of their emotions and stay level-headed when they experience stress.
“Mothers and teachers have written and told me how they have made it a regular practice in their homes and classrooms. When their kids are feeling mad, sad, or angry, they take a moment pause, breathe, and proceed with love,” said Perrone.
I Have Superpowers by Mary Beth Perrone is available for purchase on Amazon.
Mary Beth Perrone is a leader in the wellness space. She is a certified meditation instructor and health coach through Chopra. She is a Global Sisterhood facilitator and owns a successful wellness company, Radiate Wellness Products. Her passion, purpose, and give back is her nonprofit Mindful Movement FL, which inspires kids and women to better love themselves, others, and Mother Earth.