Did you research and learn anything significant about “Relationship-Mapping” from the last post? Who coined this term, and how does its concept apply to your situation and MHAEK PE? Take a moment to review this, and if it doesn’t resonate with you, consider researching ‘capacity building.’ It'll make sense as we work through it.
MHAEK Parent Engagement (MHAEK-PE) aims to transform the concept of home into a haven of peace, dignity, and connection, particularly for marginalized families and schools. Home should nurture mental well-being, foster a positive self-image, and strengthen social bonds—where family values and social status intertwine. Likewise, schools should be the "village" on which students and parents must rely. However, this ideal is not always realized in both settings.
Reclaiming the concept of “homework” underscores that proper education about identity and character begins at home, encompassing the mind, body, spirit, and social relationships. To maintain a cohesive flow in this blog, we can integrate discussions of finances and interpersonal relationships as a form of service. For those lacking a physical or healthy home environment, a mental space exists where ‘home’ can be as expansive as “The Galaxy on Orion’s Belt,” as depicted in the 1997 film Men in Black. This metaphor illustrates that individuals can cultivate an inner sense of refuge and belonging, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being and self-identity, regardless of external circumstances. Furthermore, MHAEK emphasizes that self-actualization is a personal goal and a social responsibility. By pursuing personal growth and reaching one’s full potential, individuals contribute positively to their communities, fostering a supportive and empowered environment for all.
MHAEK invites adult students and parents to engage actively in the educational landscape by building alliances with community resources. This collaboration helps cultivate a personal sense of home and belonging. Parents are encouraged not only to master and monitor their parental responsibilities but also to prioritize their own goals. And it's going to take a safe and reliable support system to do it. Remember, we are “eradicating social isolation,” a grand challenge of social work.
How do you help restore honor within your being and household? Could your methods create empowering environments for other families? Share your secret.
Let’s examine the acronym MHAEK. What does mental health mean to you? A standard definition includes “a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which affects how they think, feel, and act.” MHAEK understands mental health as knowing who you are, who you are becoming, and how to be an asset to others.
Next, let’s explore the definition of art expression. It is commonly understood as conveying emotions, ideas, or experiences through various artistic forms—such as painting, music, dance, or writing. It allows artists to communicate their inner thoughts and connect with others on an emotional level. MHAEK expands this concept, viewing artists as living beings who participate in life as dynamic, artistic human forms.
You may already know the definition and purpose of a curriculum. In the context of MHAEK, the ‘K’ represents the “Ka ” or soul, emphasizing its vital contributions throughout an individual’s life. The “Ka” factor has many roots. To name a few, it is rooted in ancient Egyptian symbolism (in MHAEK without the paganism), Japanese heritage (as a flower or fruit), and even a Proto-Indo-European root, as desire. It is universally understood as one’s essence—synonymous with ethos, the holy spirit, heart, nature, center, crux, principle, or reality. Together, as one, spiritual etiquette is MHAEK’s first order of operations, guiding individuals to become assets to themselves, their loved ones, and the world. Regardless of how you identify your faith, embracing cultural humility is crucial. Cultural humility promotes faith awareness and allows us to find the good in every situation, helping us to see God's presence even in our most difficult moments. Here, we will explore, establish, or build upon a firm foundation of faith and practices that support the well-being of students, parents, and their support systems across various sectors.
MHAEK-PE strengthens students’ and families’ mindsets and societal outcomes by promoting emotional intelligence and fulfillment through multifaceted artistic forms. It includes not only traditional art but also sports and hobbies, such as gardening, homemaking, and being handy, which enable students and families to connect with others on a meaningful level. Visit MusicChangingLive.org as a local resource.
Homework, as we know it, typically involves classwork done at home. While it serves many educational purposes, we aim for a higher purpose. Education is a significant part of our daily lives, but so should home. Marginalized students and families often face disadvantages from missed opportunities for essential “home training.”
Commonly referred to as home training, this concept involves teaching essential life skills, values, and behaviors within the family environment. It emphasizes discipline, respect, and social etiquette to prepare them for interactions outside the home. However, there is often a vague understanding of how parents can engage and learn to improve their household structure while balancing self-care and family well-being.
Representation matters, and many parents have either been misrepresented or miseducated. Parents are often expected to have “it all figured out” -- everything together, but this is frequently not the case. As a child’s first teacher, parents living on the margins of society may unintentionally provide inadequate guidance. MHAEK PE helps students and parents balance self-care with empathy for others by prioritizing their passions and responsibilities.
I am dedicated to learning and growing as a leader so I can be a valuable asset to myself, my family, and the world. When we meet again, we’ll explore various types of parents, teachers, and students and different teaching and learning styles. Some parent/teacher/student types discussed are:
The Overcompensating Parent/Teacher/Student
The Honorable Parent/Teacher/Student
The Disengaged Parent/Teacher/Student
The Weekend Parent/Teacher/Student
The Envious Parent/Teacher/Student
The Emotionally Abusive Parent/Teacher/Student, and more.
If you often entertain negativity, I want to clarify that I am not a perfect parent, student, or teacher here to teach you anything. I am here for those who appreciate who I am and what I love to do. If you find it hard to avoid negativity, try turning it inward. Identify a weakness you can work on and focus your energy there. You can’t lose by investing in self-improvement.
To those with secure, positive attitudes, thank you for being a source of balance. It’s challenging enough to navigate a world filled with negativity. Kindness to ourselves and others requires effort and faith, so I trust you’ll take what resonates with you from MHAEK and leave the rest for others to enjoy.
This week, take some time to reflect on the kind of parent, teacher, or student you are—labels aside. Who do you aspire to be? Who is being impacted? Consider sharing your thoughts with someone who can help hold you accountable.
To reduce social isolation, your active participation in MHAEK PE is essential. You can engage by attending workshops and events, commenting on this blog, or providing financial support. No matter how you choose to get involved, your participation will contribute to identifying, healing, and building strong support systems and relationships for students, parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors from underrepresented communities
Seek MHAEK
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