Family caregivers are the unsung heroes who provide vital support to older adults and people with disabilities. In the U.S., over 53 million family caregivers (up from 43.5 million in 2015) give unpaid care to loved ones—often while juggling jobs, family and their own wellbeing.

• 61% manage caregiving while working full- or part-time.
• 60 – 70% are women.
• 72% skip regular doctor visits because of their responsibilities.
• 41% report low overall wellbeing, and nearly half (47%) have experienced anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges in the past year.
• 45% have faced at least one financial hardship due to caregiving.

Experts remind caregivers: you don’t need to be perfect. Focus on what you can control, take one day at a time and make space for your own care. Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Working on Social Wellbeing

• Those people with social wellbeing have strong interpersonal relationships and have love in their lives that gives them positive energy. It helps to maintain multiple close relationships that encourage you to achieve, be healthy and enjoy life.
• It’s wise to cultivate your existing relationships: strengthen your family bonds and nurture your friendships. Always seek out new connections and participate in your community. Share your talents for the benefit of those around you.

Practical strategies to prevent burnout, sustain resilience, and enhance wellbeing in today’s evolving workplace.

For those working in mental health and counseling, the concept of balance is more than a buzzword. It is a professional necessity. Clinicians are tasked with bringing empathy, presence, and emotional resilience to every session. But without proper attention to their own wellbeing, even the most dedicated professionals risk burnout or compassion fatigue. 

Recent insights (Krishnan, 2025) highlight practical strategies that help therapists and professionals in other high-stress fields maintain balance while sustaining their ability to deliver meaningful, high-quality care. 

The Role of Compartmentalization  

While it may be impossible to completely separate work from personal life, establishing clear mental transitions is key. For therapists, preparing intentionally for each session helps protect emotional bandwidth. For professionals outside of healthcare, similar rituals such as closing the laptop at a set time or creating a “commute” routine when working from home can signal to the brain that it is time to shift gears. 

The Power of Self-Care 

We often encourage clients, colleagues, or employees to invest in self-care. But do we practice what we preach? Prioritizing small but consistent habits such as a healthy diet, regular movement, hobbies, or simply time with loved ones can replenish energy reserves and keep stress from becoming chronic. 

Seeking Support  

Another powerful tool for preventing burnout is therapy itself. For clinicians, engaging in their own counseling provides a safe space to process the emotional challenges of the work. For professionals in any field, peer support, mentorship, or coaching can offer fresh perspectives and reduce feelings of isolation. 

Setting Boundaries  

Boundaries are more than time management. They are a declaration of value for both work and personal life. Protecting time off, saying no when necessary, and designating physical spaces for work and rest can help ensure that neither domain overshadows the other. 

Leveraging Professional Growth & Technology   

Continuous learning keeps work engaging and prevents stagnation. Structured professional development or specialized training can renew a sense of purpose. Meanwhile, technology such as calendar reminders, efficient case management tools, or project platforms can streamline tasks and free up valuable mental energy for meaningful work. 

Why This Matters Now  

In today’s post-pandemic world, where remote and hybrid work have blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, intentional balance is not optional—it is essential. Creating structures that support wellbeing does more than benefit individuals; it sustains the overall health of organizations by reducing turnover, improving performance, and fostering resilience across teams. 

Work-life balance is not a one-time achievement. It is an ongoing practice. For mental health professionals and leaders alike, modeling and encouraging balance is one of the most powerful ways to sustain both personal wellbeing and professional excellence. 

Reference:  

• Krishnan, R. (2025). Maintaining Work-Life Balance as a Therapist. Behavioralhealthnews.org. Accessed 8/2/2025. 

About the Author 

Dr. Trina Hammonds is a field consultant with the Federal Occupational Health Employee Assistance Program. As a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), she counsels and consults federal employees. Since joining Federal Occupational Health in 2020, Dr. Hammonds has worked with over 40 agencies based in Atlanta, Georgia. Recently recognized by the Atlanta Federal Executive Board for her outstanding collaborative efforts with the Department of Labor, Dr. Hammonds has worked hard to establish relationships between federal agencies and Magellan’s Employee Assistance Program. With over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, Dr. Hammonds has devoted her career to helping others. Dr. Hammonds resides in the suburban Atlanta area, where she enjoys spending time with her daughter and grandson. 

Mental health plays a crucial role in every aspect of life: work, relationships, physical health and overall wellbeing. Mental health screenings are a simple and effective way to check in on how you’re feeling and identify whether symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety might be present. A mental health screening is a brief questionnaire designed to spot signs of potential concerns. It’s not a diagnosis, but it can help you or a loved one decide if it’s time to reach out for professional support.

Why screen?

• Depression and other mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of age, background or lifestyle.
• Screenings can catch early signs before symptoms become more serious.
• Early support can lead to better outcomes and prevent long-term impacts.
• Treatment can improve daily functioning and quality of life at work, school and home.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Bullying isn’t just a schoolyard problem, it’s a pervasive issue that can follow children wherever they spend their time: in classrooms, on buses, at extracurricular activities and online. The impact of bullying is profound, leaving emotional scars that can last into adulthood. Children who are bullied are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and academic challenges. 

Employees who are parents of children experiencing bullying often face additional stress that can impact workplace productivity, engagement and mental wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association, workplace stress related to family concerns can lead to higher absenteeism, decreased focus and lower job satisfaction. By providing support for employees’ families, employers can reduce these stressors, improve retention and foster a culture of wellbeing. 

Understanding bullying

Bullying involves intentionally using physical, verbal or psychological actions to harm someone else, often exploiting a real or perceived power imbalance. Parents often notice behavioral changes in children who are being bullied including, withdrawal from activities, mood changes or reluctance to talk about school. Addressing bullying requires proactive communication and practical support. 

Practical ways to help children cope
While every situation differs, there are proven strategies to help children stay safe and resilient: 

• Notify school officials and trusted adults. 

• Avoid fighting back in anger and walk away when possible. 

• Use the buddy system for safety in numbers. 

• Encourage open dialogue and provide guidance tailored to your child’s needs. 

Beyond immediate safety measures, many children who experience bullying also struggle with lasting anxiety and depression that require additional therapeutic support. When traditional in-person therapy isn’t readily accessible or when children need supplemental tools to build emotional resilience, innovative digital interventions can provide crucial support. 

Digital tools to reduce anxiety and empower children 
Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing program, powered by NeuroFlow, is a core component of our Employee Assistance Program. The programs, ThinkHeroTM (ages 6-12 years) and ThinkWarriorTM (ages 13-17 years), offer age-appropriate, interactive digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs designed to address anxiety and depression in children and teens. 

Developed with a clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric CBT, these programs provide adventure-based, interactive narratives that help children: 

• Recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns 

• Practice situations they would normally avoid 

• Build lifelong skills to manage anxiety 

• Develop inner strength and self-empowerment 

Participants progress through nine self-directed steps, with the option to engage a supportive adult to provide encouragement and reinforce progress. The programs are confidential and accessible anywhere, on any device.

Proven impact of Magellan’s programs 

These results show that structured digital interventions can meaningfully improve emotional wellbeing for children and teens, offering a measurable ROI for employers who provide access to these resources. 

Why employers should offer Magellan’s EAP with Digital Emotional Wellbeing Programs
Supporting employees’ families goes beyond childcare, it directly impacts workplace performance. With Magellan’s EAP, employers can: 

• Help working parents manage their stress and support their children’s mental health 

• Reduce stress-related absenteeism and improve productivity 

• Enhance employee satisfaction, retention and engagement 

• Promote a culture of wellbeing and resilience across the organization 

Bullying can’t always be prevented, but with the right support systems, children can build resilience, parents can feel empowered, and employers can benefit from a healthier, more productive workforce.  

Learn how Magellan Healthcare can support your employees and their families with digital emotional wellbeing programs. 

Sources: American Psychological Association and Harvard Business Review  

When tragedy strikes the workplace – whether it’s a sudden accident, natural disaster, act of violence, or a major organizational upheaval – the impact on your people can be profound and far-reaching. Events like these can shake their sense of safety and stability, leading to emotional and psychological effects that may linger long after the initial crisis has passed. 

At Magellan Healthcare, we understand how critical it is for organizations to respond quickly, compassionately, and effectively during these challenging times. That’s why our Critical Incident Response (CIR) services, part of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), support organizations and employees through their most difficult moments. 

Why Crisis Support Matters 

During and after a crisis, employees often experience a range of emotional responses such as shock, fear, guilt, anxiety, confusion and denial. These reactions are normal; however, without proper support, they can escalate into long-term stress and decreased workplace performance. In fact, 61% of employees report significant stress during times of crisis, which can lead to a 33% drop in productivity. If unaddressed, the ripple effects of a crisis may contribute to absenteeism, turnover and reduced morale. 

By providing timely, expert support through CIR services, organizations can protect their employees’ mental health while promoting a faster recovery and return to productivity. 

Magellan’s CIR team comprises licensed behavioral health professionals who average 17 years of experience in trauma response. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year to guide organizations and employees through their most vulnerable moments with professionalism, empathy and skill. 

Our services are tailored to each organization’s specific needs and may include: 

• Psychological First Aid  

• Management consultation and coaching 

• Group and individual debriefings (onsite or virtual) 

• Telephonic crisis support 

Whether an incident affects one individual or an entire department, our CIR team conducts an initial consultation to understand the situation and develop a customized response plan. Support can be deployed quickly, with virtual or onsite services available within hours. 

Beyond the First Response 

Crises are not resolved in a single day; recovery often takes time. Magellan continues to support organizations beyond the immediate response. Our clinicians follow up with the organization in the days and weeks following the incident to assess recovery, recommend additional resources and ensure employees are coping well. This ongoing support helps organizations show care for their employees, build trust and prevent long-term impacts such as burnout or disengagement. 

The Power of Skilled Support 

With more than 3,000 responses per year, Magellan’s CIR team has built a reputation for excellence. Our clients consistently tell us that this service made a real difference for their teams. Employees feel supported, heard and reassured during moments of crisis. 

A crisis can change everything. With the right support in place, your organization can help employees recover and move forward. Learn more about how Magellan’s CIR services can make a meaningful difference during times of need. 

Sources: 
American Psychological Association. 

International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience. 

An Introduction to Supporting Kids with Storytelling 

Have you ever finished reading a book and felt like it somehow understood exactly what you were going through? Or maybe you’ve watched your child connect deeply with a character who was facing similar challenges? If so, you’ve experienced the power of bibliotherapy—and you might not have even realized it. 

What Exactly Is Bibliotherapy? 

Bibliotherapy is the practice of using books and literature as a therapeutic tool to help people work through emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Think of it as counseling through storytelling. When we read about characters navigating difficult situations, we often find comfort, insight, and new ways of understanding our own experiences. 

This approach can be especially powerful with children, who naturally connect with stories and characters in ways that can help them process complex emotions and situations they might struggle to articulate on their own. 

Why Books Work So Well for Kids 

Reading aloud to children offers countless benefits beyond just entertainment. It strengthens the parent-child bond, supports development, and nurtures a lifelong love of learning. But when we use books therapeutically, something even more magical happens. 

Children’s books used in bibliotherapy can: 

• Provide comfort during difficult times 

• Normalize experiences that might feel overwhelming or isolating 

• Validate feelings that children might not know how to express 

• Teach coping skills through character examples 

• Spark imagination and creative problem-solving 

• Build empathy by showing different perspectives 

• Develop social skills and emotional regulation 

Perhaps most importantly, books give parents a natural way to bring up challenging topics. Instead of having an awkward conversation out of nowhere, you can explore feelings and solutions alongside beloved characters. Children often find it easier to talk about what a character is experiencing before opening up about their own similar feelings. 

Perfect for Back-to-School Season 

With the school year upon us, bibliotherapy can be incredibly helpful for easing those back-to-school jitters. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or just feeling nervous about a new grade, the right book can make all the difference. 

Here are some tried-and-true favorites that tackle school-related anxiety: 

For the Nervous Newcomer: 

• “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg 

• “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn 

• “The Night Before Kindergarten” by Natasha Wing 

For Building Confidence: 

• “The Koala Who Could” by Rachel Bright 

• “We’re All Wonders” by R.J. Palacio 

• “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson 

For Managing Big Feelings: 

• “The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas 

• “Ruby Finds a Worry” by Tom Percival 

• “The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!” by Mo Willems 

For Social Situations: 

• “Strictly No Elephants” by Lisa Mantchev 

• “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney 

• “David Goes to School” by David Shannon 

It’s Not Just About Reading—It’s About Talking 

Here’s the key: bibliotherapy isn’t just about reading a book and calling it a day. The real magic happens in the conversations that follow. The story serves as a springboard for deeper discussions about feelings, experiences, and solutions. 

Try asking questions like: 

• “What do you think this character is feeling right now?” 

• “Have you ever felt the same way?” 

• “What would you do if you were in this situation?” 

• “What advice would you give this character?” 

• “How do you think the story will end?” 

These questions help children process their own experiences through the safe lens of storytelling. 

Getting Started with Bibliotherapy 

Ready to give bibliotherapy a try? Start by thinking about what your child might be dealing with—whether it’s anxiety, friendship issues, big life changes, or just everyday emotional ups and downs. Then explore books that address those topics. 

The wonderful thing about children’s literature today is its incredible diversity. You can find books that tackle everything from everyday worries to more serious challenges like grief, illness, or family changes. The key is choosing books that are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level. 

Where to Find the Right Books 

Not sure where to start? Your local library is a treasure trove of resources, and librarians are often incredibly knowledgeable about books for specific situations. You can also search online for curated lists—organizations like the Child Mind Institute, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Reach Out and Read, and Catalyst Kids offer excellent book recommendations organized by topic. 

The Bottom Line 

Bibliotherapy isn’t a replacement for professional help when it’s needed, but it’s a wonderful tool that every parent can use to support their child’s emotional well-being. Books have an incredible power to help us feel less alone, more understood, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. 

So the next time you’re snuggled up for story time, remember: you’re not just reading a book—you’re opening up a world of healing, understanding, and connection. And that’s pretty amazing, isn’t it? 

References 

Kris, D. F. (2018). Why reading aloud to kids helps them thrive.

Lenkowsky, R. S. (1987). Bibliotherapy: A review and analysis of the literature. The Journal of Special Education, 21, 123-132. 

Rizza, M. (1997). A parent’s guide to helping children: Using bibliotherapy at home. The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented. 

On July 29, 2025, Kimberly Elias, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Partnership Executive at Magellan Health, led a 15-minute webinar titled Improve Your Self-Esteem. Whether you joined us live or are just catching up now, this recap highlights the key takeaways from her thoughtful discussion. 

How do you define self-esteem, and why is it so important in daily life?
Self-esteem is an individual’s overall evaluation of their own worth and value as a person. It’s a core part of who we are and often takes root in childhood. While it’s deeply ingrained, it’s not necessarily fixed and can shift depending on the life events and circumstances we experience. 

Having healthy self-esteem is important because it affects our overall quality of life. When our self-esteem is low, it can hold us back from pursuing goals, taking risks or fully enjoying life. It can create a constant inner dialogue of self-doubt that limits our potential. 

What’s the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence?  

Self-confidence is more about believing in your ability to accomplish a specific task or succeed in a particular situation. Self-esteem is your overall sense of self-worth. 

For example, someone might feel very confident in the kitchen. They can follow a recipe, prepare a healthy meal and serve it to their family with ease. But when they receive compliments for that meal, they might struggle to accept them. Deep down, they may not feel worthy of the praise or even worthy of enjoying the meal themselves. That’s low self-esteem, despite high confidence in a particular skill. 

The reverse is also true. A person can have healthy self-esteem but still lack confidence when trying something new or unfamiliar.  

What does low self-esteem look like in someone’s day-to-day life? 

Someone who’s struggling with low self-esteem will often experience persistent negative self-talk. This internal dialogue can be overly critical and, at times, excessive. People with low self-esteem often engage in people-pleasing, have a hard time trusting their own decisions and struggle to advocate for themselves. They tend to compare themselves to others constantly, which reinforces feelings of inadequacy. Setting healthy boundaries can also be a major challenge. 

What does healthy self-esteem look and feel like in action? 

Healthy self-esteem is rooted in an internal sense of worth, not external achievements or opinions. A person with healthy self-esteem doesn’t define themselves by what’s happening around them. 

Take the example of someone training for a marathon. Let’s say they didn’t hit the time they were aiming for. Instead of seeing that as a personal failure or a reflection of their worth, they’re still able to view themselves in a positive light. They recognize the effort they put in, celebrate the progress they made and maintain their sense of self-worth regardless of the outcome. 

People with healthy self-esteem believe they have value simply because they exist, not because they checked a box, earned an award or met someone else’s expectations. That belief empowers them to take on challenges, bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward without letting self-doubt take over. 

What are some simple tools and strategies someone can use to build stronger self-esteem? 

If you’re struggling with low self-esteem, there are several practical things you can try to start rebuilding that inner sense of value. 

Get Out of Your Head and Into the World
People with low self-esteem often get stuck in their heads, cycling through negative thoughts. One of the best antidotes to that mental chatter is action, especially helping others. Volunteering for a cause you care about, helping a neighbor or spending time at an animal shelter can help you feel purposeful and valued. And in giving your time or skills to someone else, you’re also showing yourself that you matter. 

Limit Social Media Intake
If you find yourself constantly scrolling and feeling worse about yourself afterward, it might be time for a digital detox. Try reducing the time you spend on social media or even taking a break altogether. Many people report a boost in self-worth and clarity once they’re no longer comparing themselves to the highlight reels of others. 

Use Affirmations with Action
Affirmations can be powerful, but only when backed by real behavior. Simply repeating “I am a healthy person” won’t move the needle unless you follow it up with choices that reinforce that belief. 

For example: 

• Affirmation: I am a healthy person. 

• Supporting behaviors: 
  • Go for a 20-minute walk daily
  • Replace soda with water
  • Meditate five days a week

Commit to reinforcing your affirmation with action for 30 days. You’ll start to notice meaningful changes not just in how you feel, but how you show up. 

Reflect Daily on What You Did Well
Take a few minutes each evening to write down two or three things you did well. This simple habit trains your brain to recognize your strengths and efforts, which boosts self-esteem over time. 

Remove Barriers That Undermine Your Self-Worth
Sometimes, improving self-esteem isn’t just about what you do, it’s also about what you stop doing. If there are toxic relationships, excessive drinking or unhealthy environments holding you back, begin taking steps to distance yourself from them.

Try Mental Check-Ins Throughout the Day
Here’s how it works: 

• Set an alarm to go off every 2–3 hours during your day. 

• When it rings, pause and ask yourself: 
  • What have I been thinking about?
  • What’s the quality of those thoughts? Are they helpful or hurtful?
  • How am I feeling emotionally and physically right now?
  • What do I need in this moment?

Maybe it’s a glass of water, a five-minute break in the sun or simply a deep breath. This practice builds self-awareness, helps reframe negative thoughts and encourages self-care in real time. 

Building self-esteem isn’t about becoming someone different, it’s about remembering who you are underneath the noise of self-doubt, comparison and outside expectations. It’s a lifelong process of learning to value yourself, advocate for your needs and show up with self-compassion, even on the hard days. 

If you missed the Magellan Minute, listen to the recording here. 

Early childhood education plays a crucial role (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2007) in shaping children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. The quality of classroom environments significantly influences these outcomes, particularly in mental health and behavioral wellbeing. While individual child interventions address individual-focused challenges, counselors, educators, and child development professionals can foster positive emotional and social experiences by improving “classroom climates.” Here are tips for creating a supportive, nurturing learning environment.  

Why Classroom Climate Matters: Especially for Military Children 

A child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development is deeply influenced by the quality of their classroom learning environment. Emotional security, structured routines, and positive teacher-child interactions significantly impact greater emotional regulation and resilience in children, improved peer relationships and cooperation, and strong self-management of behaviors and emotions. For children from military families (Park, 2011), classroom climate is particularly important as transitions, parental deployment, and relocation stress impact their emotional wellbeing.  

Addressing Systemic Challenges in Early Childhood Settings 

Supporting children’s behavioral and emotional wellbeing in development centers presents numerous challenges. Early childhood educators today face growing challenges (Lester & Flake, 2013), including limited resources, staff turnover, and increasing numbers of children who require additional support to thrive. Amid these demands, the focus often leans heavily toward academic preparedness, leaving less opportunity for professional development around fostering supportive emotional climates. 

Access to resources for mental health and emotional wellbeing is also limited, with in-person, professionally trained licensed mental health providers being scarce (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2009), highlighting the need for proactive interventions within the classroom. These challenges are even more pronounced in military-connected early childhood settings, where frequent relocations and deployments can leave both parents and educators with limited knowledge of available community resources, further complicating efforts to support children’s social-emotional development. 

Aligning with Existing Frameworks for Greater Impact 

The principles of a “climate scale” can provide consistency in the classroom. By providing interventions modeled after the Preschool Mental Health Climate Scale tool, early childhood counselors and educators can provide support across staff and centers and give practical tools to ensure that teachers are better equipped to manage some of those challenges. Here are two scales that have been effective in our years of providing counseling to military families. 

The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) (Harms, Clifford, & Cryer, 2015) is a tool to assess and enhance classroom environments and practices. It provides a structured framework that allows educators to evaluate key aspects of the learning environment using consistent, research-based criteria. By working within a system that employs ECERS, a child development professional can align consultations with a language and set of expectations already familiar to staff. This shared reference point streamlines communication and facilitates more targeted, collaborative problem-solving. As a result, the counselor or teacher is better equipped to provide relevant and actionable support that resonates with children and families and reinforces existing developmental goals. 

Another framework to consider is the Preschool Mental Health Climate Scale (PSMHCS) (Borelli et al., 2019). The PSMHSC is composed of several sections that emphasize various classroom environmental factors. Each section enables a child development professional to recognize deficiencies and implement appropriate interventions. The PSMHCS details how classroom environments impact child behaviors. It will help identify common stressors, such as chaotic transitions or a lack of emotional support strategies and provide actionable strategies to improve classroom climate without major disruptions to routines. 

Applying the Preschool Mental Health Climate Scale   

Here are some common classroom challenges and interventions for teachers and counselors to address with military children, youth, and families.

1. Transitions Between Activities 

Challenge: Children become restless and disruptive during transitions.
Teachers: Model strategies for pre-transition warnings and use verbal and visual cues during classroom instruction.
Counselors: Ask reflective questions like, “How do you think you should respond when there’s a sudden shift in activities?” or “What small changes could make transitions smoother?” to promote self-reflection and ownership of improvement.

2. Directions & Rules 

Challenge: Inconsistent enforcement of rules or lack of clear expectations.
Teachers: Assist in developing visual rule charts, creating consistent rule systems, and integrating social stories to reinforce expectations.
Counselors: Model using positive reinforcement and consistent follow-through with consequences.

3. Behavior Challenges 

Challenge: Behavior escalation due to limited classroom monitoring.
Teachers: Demonstrate active supervision techniques, including effective classroom movement and awareness.
Counselors: Train on recognizing early signs of distress and strategies for proactive engagement. 

4. Emotional State 

Challenge: Emotional state negatively impacts the classroom climate.
Teachers: Facilitate self-reflective discussions about how personal stress, including military-related challenges, influences attention.
Counselors: Train on stress management tools, have individual support sessions, and provide referrals to appropriate resources as needed. 

5. Child Interactions 

Challenge: Limited engagement, minimal physical warmth, and lack of responsive dialogue from staff to children.
Teachers: Ask open-ended questions, have eye-level interactions, and use warm engagement strategies like high-fives and active listening.
Counselors: Demonstrate personalized connection-building techniques with children to promote relational trust and engagement.

6. Transitions Between Activities: Emotional Awareness & Problem-Solving 

Challenge: Children struggle to express emotions and rely on adults to resolve conflicts.
Teachers: Help label emotions and guide children through peer conflict using visual tools like emotion charts.
Counselors: Model emotional coaching strategies and demonstrate conflict resolution techniques in the classroom setting. 

7. Individualized & Developmentally Appropriate Lessons 

Challenge: Rigid, non-differentiated instruction for children with varying needs.
Teachers: Model strategies that promote flexibility, such as offering choices, using sensory-friendly materials, and adjusting activities to meet diverse needs.
Counselors: Reinforce self-regulation skills, offer coping strategies during challenging activities, and help children navigate transitions through individualized support.  

8. Child Interactions 

Challenge: Peer conflicts are frequent; socialization needs.
Teachers: Model strategies for promoting cooperative play and supporting positive social interactions among peers, offering real-time examples in classroom settings.
Counselors: Work with children on positive peer engagement, modeling turn-taking, social invitations, and conflict resolution skills. 

Transforming Environments & Supporting Futures 

By breaking down each component of the preschool mental health climate scale and integrating interventions into daily classroom activities, counselors, educators, and child development professionals can provide support and consultation and exemplify best practices for educators. Enhancing classroom climates can ultimately create healthier, more supportive learning environments to benefit both educators and students. These climate scale principles can be used as a support tool to positively transform early childhood learning environments, ensuring every child receives the emotional and social foundation for long-term success. 

References 

• Park, N. (2011). Military children and families: Strengths and challenges during peace and war. American Psychologist, 66(1), 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021249 

• National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2007). The Science of Early Childhood Development: Closing the Gap Between What We Know and What We Do. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/the-science-of-early-childhood-development-closing-the-gap-between-what-we-know-and-what-we-do/

• National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. (2009). Preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people: Progress and possibilities. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12480 

• Lester, P., & Flake, E. (2013). How wartime military service affects children and families. The Future of Children, 23(2), 121–141. https://doi.org/10.1353/foc.2013.0015 

• Domitrovich, C. E., Cortes, R. C., & Greenberg, M. T. (2009). Improving young children’s social and emotional competence: A randomized trial of the Preschool PATHS curriculum. Journal of Primary Prevention, 30(3-4), 329–345. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-009-0171-0 

• Bartlett, J. D., Smith, S., & Bringewatt, E. (2017). Helping young children who have experienced trauma: Policies and strategies for early care and education. Child Trends. https://www.childtrends.org/publications/trauma-early-care-education 

• Harms, T., Clifford, R. M., & Cryer, D. (2015). Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Third Edition (ECERS-3). Teachers College Press.
• Borelli, J. L., Callaghan, C. L., Smiley, A. J., & Westervelt, H. (2019). Development and Validation of the Preschool Mental Health Climate Scale (PMHCS). Early Education and Development, 30(3), 318–338. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2018.1546095 

Further Reading 

For those supporting young children’s social-emotional development and mental health, several established tools and resources can provide valuable guidance. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) (Harms, Clifford, & Cryer, 2015) and the Preschool Mental Health Climate Scale (PMHCS) offer frameworks for assessing classroom environments and the emotional climate within early learning settings. Additionally, resources such as the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program, the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL), the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI), and ZERO TO THREE provide practical strategies, evidence-based practices, and training materials to strengthen resilience, promote positive social-emotional growth, and address the needs of young children, particularly in dynamic environments like military-connected early childhood programs. 

Additional Recommended Resources for Counselors Working in Early Childhood Settings 

• Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program: A strength-based assessment and planning system designed to promote resilience in children aged 4 weeks to 6 years. https://centerforresilientchildren.org  

• Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL):  Resources and training materials focused on promoting social-emotional development and school readiness in young children. http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu  

• National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI): Support for the implementation of the Pyramid Model framework to promote young children’s social-emotional competence and address challenging behavior.  https://challengingbehavior.cbcs.usf.edu/   

• ZERO TO THREE:  An organization dedicated to ensuring that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life, with a wealth of mental health, trauma-informed care, and early development resources. https://www.zerotothree.org/ 

About the Author 

Mary Sol Weston, LCPC-S, is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a specialization in family life counseling, trauma-informed care, and early childhood mental health. Coming from four generations of active-duty Service members, country and community is woven into her identity. She honors the legacy of her father’s distinguished 33-year military career and takes pride in her son’s current service in the armed forces.