In school, students learn math, reading, and science, but almost nothing about the one thing they’ll use every single day for the rest of their lives: understanding themselves and getting along with others.
How about if students were taught how their own minds work — how to recognize what they’re feeling, why they react the way they do, or how to understand what’s going on with the people around them.
It’s about learning everyday life skills — communicating clearly, handling conflict without it turning into a fight, managing anger or frustration before it takes over, and building healthier relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.
It’s not a niche subject. It’s foundational, the same way we treat reading or math as foundational. And the payoff: better communication, stronger relationships, fewer behavioral problems in school, and adults who are better equipped to handle everyday life.
If California’s Educational Code 51925 could be ammended , these lessons would add to California’s mental health education already required.