In celebrating his third Father's Day with kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Prince William pens an essay highlighting the importance of talking to children about their feelings. The Duke of Cambridge called on fathers to put mental health as a priority along with physical health. He emphasized the importance of this in helping children develop into better adults.
In an exclusive essay published in the Express, Prince William wrote that there is a common trend among parents when it comes to mental health. It is either parents don't discuss these matters with their children, or feel ashamed if they did because it means their child is failing or is struggling. The prince acknowledged that it's fathers who have a harder time with this than mothers.
Prince William also wrote that he believes talking about feelings with children can curb other social problems like addiction and suicide among teenagers and young adults. "It is clear that many families could have been helped if they had found it easier to talk openly about mental health challenges in the home," the prince wrote.
He also urged fathers, who struggle to open up or share their feelings, don't exactly have a choice, especially when many kids today are faced with struggles. If these struggles are not resolved within the family, a child will carry this burden forever. "Mental health issues can alter the course of a child's life," said Prince William.
The Duke of Cambridge also took the time to talk about Heads Together, which the prince and his wife, Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton), as well as his brother, Prince Harry, launched early this year, per People. Apart from active campaigns on mental health, Heads Together is also working to mount a big marathon for April 2017 in London.
But for this occasion on Father's Day, the prince spent time talking to fathers and their children. Watch the video of Prince William's special breakfast with them below:
