I'm Worried by Michael Ian Black {Mental Wellness}

I'm Worried by Michael Ian Black has a fun twist in my collection of worry books.  There are three characters; a potato, a flamingo, and a girl.  The potato states, it's worried.  Sometimes I think it's helpful for something completely different than yourself have the same feelings you may have.  The girl and flamingo do some probing and discover the potato is scared of the future.  The future worries are giant - anything can go wrong.  I enjoyed reading the girls guidance as she took both characters on a memory walk revisiting slightly bad things that happened to each of them;  potato rolled off  table and flamingo stuck her/his beak in a jar of peanut butter.  She even has her own slightly bad memory and she points out they were okay in time each time.  Then potato and flamingo have an idea that will protect them from worries and in reality it's silly and doesn't last long.  The book ends with a big life idea.  "Since we don't know what's going to happen in the future, maybe we should just enjoy the now."  This book isn't just for children and there is a humorous ending to bring readers giggles haven't some that reflection on life.

"Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act." (mental health.gov) I hope you find this post helpful in supporting mental wellness. "Wellness is an approach to preventing illness and prolonging life as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases." (dictionary.com)  

Let's be proactive in and out of our classrooms.  If you are looking for more resources Nationwide Children's Hospital here in Columbus, Ohio has valuable resources and  to transform children's mental heath.  #OnOurSleeves