The Canadian Mental Health Association believes that self-esteem is a key to mental health. this will often be the most important element in how children and adults deal with peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, family relationships, learning, and acceptance of responsibilities. Self-esteem gives children the confidence to embrace life's challenges. Without self-esteem these life challenges are often avoided, and learning becomes a negative experience.

CMHA - Durham has produced three packages for building and enhancing self-esteem:

Teachers! Professionals!

Concerned about your students self-esteem? We have a "We're All Special" self-esteem resource package targeting Kindergarten to Grade 8

Parents!

Concerned about your child's self-esteem? We have a "We're All Special" self-esteem resource package targeting ages 4 to 12

The comprehensive packages with activities and lesson plans are designed to focus on feelings, building a healty self-esteem and sharing ourselves with others. The parents package also contains a guidebook to help increase parents awareness of their personal self-esteem and the role they play in building their childrens self-esteem.

Parents! Professionals!
CMHA - Durham has also published "Self-Esteem Matters" a resource package for parents and professionals who work with adolescents. It focuses on elements such as: defining self-esteem, challenges faced by youth, building healthy self-esteem and importance of communication.

For more information on these packages, please contact (905) 436-8760 ext. 107