Written by: Laura Rubino, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As the expression goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This quote derives from an African proverb. It conveys the importance of raising children in a healthy environment where they feel safe, heard and are able to flourish. In this type of environment, children have an array of positive adults to confide in and look up to. They can consist of grandparents, extended family members, siblings, neighbors, teachers and community members that all help guide and mentor our children. Throughout human history, children have lived together as extended families with their grandparents, aunts, uncles etc... Our current Western society has moved away from this structure leaving children without other adult family members in their home. In fact, the US has the most single family households in the world, constituting nearly a quarter, 23% of children, compared to China with 3% and India with 5% of single family households.
Whether it is a single or dual parent home, children are lacking the benefits of the village. Every child needs a positive mentor to whom they can turn to in times of need and who they can inspire to become. Our children are missing out on the wisdom of their elders and are oftentimes turning to their peers for support. Sadly, some of our youth do not have positive peer groups or even a friend group where they feel they can confide in. They lack positive adult figures who they can strive to be like and most look up to celebrities or influencers in which they have no interpersonal relationships. With technology in their pockets, teens tend to rely on Internet sources for self help or guidance; additionally they have a strong tendency to turn to social media for validation. This can lead to poor choices from peer pressure and an array of mental health disorders. According to the CDC, in 2021 more than 4 in 10 adolescents (42%) felt persistently sad and hopeless leading them to depression and at high risk for suicide, drug usage, and violence.
In response to our current Mental Health Pandemic, Laura Rubino of Higher Minds developed an online Youth Mindset Mentorship Program serving mentees ages 4-18 who want to develop simple Mindfulness practices to self-regulate and become more calm and connected. Through her program, she has helped numerous mentees overcome anxiety and navigate the stresses of school and family life. She has become close to their families and is a vital part of their villages especially in times of need.
Our modern age of technological advancements has brought villages around the world to connect globally. We have the power and resources to create a universal village where we can help one another in raising our youth to become more kind and compassionate. Now is the time to bring back the VILLAGE mentality. Let’s call on our neighbors, our elders, our teachers and our coaches for support. Your children are our children.
Book a free Discovery Call with Laura from Higher Minds to extend your village and help your children through her Youth Mindset Mentorship Programs.
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Laura Rubino, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Meet Laura Rubino, a passionate Mindfulness Mentor and the driving force behind Higher Minds, a transformative coaching business dedicated to empowering children and adolescents. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and mentoring students across the globe, Laura specializes in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, a proven approach that helps individuals shift from reaction to conscious response, anger to compassion, and anxiety to peace.
