Monthly Newsletter | October 2020
Your #HealthyMinds Update
Today is World Mental Health Day! Many families are navigating new routines and norms, some harder than ever before. Especially because of this, we hope you are setting aside time to take care of your mental well-being. You deserve it!

Here's an idea for taking a Mental Health Break today:
Singer-songwriter Jewel, in partnership with Inspiring Children Foundation and Kroger, is hosting the nation's premier World Mental Health Day Summit, with virtual interviews and mindfulness events throughout the day, and a 2-hour evening concert. This event is free to attend. Learn more and register here.

See below for the Clay Center's latest updates, and visit us online for more resources!
Welcome Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins!
We are so excited to welcome Khadijah Booth Watkins, MD, MPH as our new Associate Director!
 
“It has always been a dream of mine to join a place like the Clay Center, whose mission is to educate the public about mental health for young people. I am thrilled that I will have a platform [to] provide sound education and advice to young people and their families, and work toward the goal of increasing awareness and eradicating stigma.” – Dr. Booth Watkins
 
Dr. Booth Watkins specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and adults, with particular expertise in Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and suicide prevention. To read more, visit her bio on our website. We look forward to this next Clay Center chapter with Dr. Booth Watkins on our Team!
9 Ways to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
How can parents support kids during the initial transition back to school, and continued transitions between remote and in-person learning? Maintaining structure and helping them connect with friends can make a difference. Read more on our blog.
How to Develop Your Child's Executive Function Skills
Executive function skills are essential for kids to thrive at school and at home. Tune in to our latest Ask Ellen Live Q&A to learn how you can help your child develop their executive function skills. Thanks to all who joined us live for this event!
The Clay Center in the News

Taking care of our own mental health is essential to looking after the well-being of the young people in our lives. Read more for insights from Dr. Gene Beresin and other experts in the launch issue of The Boston Globe's new parenting column.

Transitioning back to school during uncertain times can be challenging, but 
Dr. Ellen Braaten says focusing on things within our control can help. Tune in to her interview with WCVB News Center 5 to learn more.
Making More Out Of Chores (Imperial Valley Press)

How can parents encourage kids to do their chores? Dr. Gene Beresin says reframing chores as responsibilities can help them become more independent and build important life skills. Read more for key insights.

Many kids are returning to school online, but this doesn't mean their growth and development has to stop. Dr. Ellen Braaten shares tips on helping your child thrive academically and emotionally.
Monthly Mindfulness:
from the Child Mind Institute

Practicing mindfulness can help kids maintain their mental and emotional health during a school year of uncertainty. Read more on how parents can help young people integrate mindfulness into their daily routine.
Find something helpful in our newsletter? Pass it on!

The more families we reach, the more we grow our mission to support the mental wellness of young people everywhere. Thank you for helping us to spread the word!
Thanks for all you do to support the young, healthy minds in your life!