Sunny Side Up Yoga

Mental health awareness begins at a young age.

As teens struggle with anxiety and perfectionism, you may be tempted to jump in and fix their problems. A better approach is to cheer them on as they develop their mental habits and strengths. Here are five ways to help teens build a more positive sense of self.

"He looked at me and he said, 'Dad, take a breath,'" Phelps said. "I was like, you gotta be kidding me. This kid's not even three years old."

High School Life Skills Yoga Mindfulness Class. YES. #yogainschools #mindfulnessineducation

Short film "Just Breathe" looks at mindfulnessfrom the perspective of a kindergartener.

But while a toddler’s brain is still building the areas that will let them control their feelings, their sense of self is also emerging. At age two, they know they are their own person. That realization is bringing big new emotions, like pride in accomplishments and a growing desire to do things for themselves.

8 Ways a child’s anxiety shows up as something else: 1. Anger 2. Difficulty Sleeping 3. Defiance ... 4. Chandeliering 5. Lack of Focus 6. Avoidance 7. Negativity 8. Overplanning This is when yoga, mindfulness and meditation can be helpful, and become tools to help manage anxiety in children. See more

A project taking yoga classes into schools has helped children with social and emotional challenges, according to a head teacher.