To write a left of thanks to the school?

[SidsWife]

About 2 hours ago I had a quite big, crying screaming breakdown which resulted in a panic attack.
My amazing, beautiful 5 year old sat me down on the floor and did “mindfulness” with me. It was a series a breathing exercises which she lead me through in such a professional way I couldn’t believe it was her. Turns out they do this at school every morning after register and if they ever feel overwhelmed at school they can volunteer to do it with their class mates. I’m just so in awe and so grateful. I feel like I should thank the school personally, or is that a bit too weird? I’ve never heard of this before but think it’s such an amazing thing.

It's really worrying that you don't think you need to get any help OP.
Having a 'crying screaming breakdown' in front of your 5 year old is absolutely not ok and must have been very frightening for her.
It's lovely that she was so helpful and the school has taught her calming techniques, but she really shouldn't have to be using them on an adult responsible for her care. I can imagine she is very worried about you which isn't fair on her.
Please do get help.

Are there other safeguarding issues OP? For you to jump straight to the conclusion that you children would be taken off you, is a bit extreme.

How often do you have breakdowns that result in panic attacks. This is concerning for your dd. I was a similar age when caring for a relative and it was very, very stressful. Go to your GP and get help for her sake

School safeguarding and mental health lead here.

I teach students mindfulness and similar skills. I would be pleased to know they had been used and imagine that the child would mention they had taught it to the parent. I’m in secondary but when I was in primary the children were quick to say.

It wouldn’t reach the threshold here for Child in Need or Child Protection (ie social work involvement) BUT we would look at an Early Hell referral which offers you access to supportive services (all or any of counselling, family support worker, debt help, food bank vouchers, help with uniform, bus pass etc) with the hope that support now would prevent you from needing social worker involvement in the future by accessing help quicker.

OP for what it’s worth I think you should thank them. No need to describe the full situation, just say you had a stressful day and suddenly felt a little panicky - then, unexpectedly, DD did what she did unprompted.

As others have mentioned they probably struggle to justify resources for this, so a statement from someone it had actually helped may keep it around for longer. Who knows how many others it might help?

Please go to your GP. My mum used to have these sorts of breakdowns and it damaged me so much.

How about going through some mindfullness together from youtube, with your DD, you could do it a few evenings a week before bed.

Thank them but leave out the crying, screaming panic attack and try not to do it again in front of your 5 year old. That must of been scary for her.

It sounds like things have been very hard for you. But as others have said, it can be traumatising and frightening for such a young child to see her parent like this. For her sake, I do hope you seek help. There is no shame in it whatsoever

No one will take your children away op so no need for the dramatising. Witnessing a panic attack can be scary for a small child and if you are prone to them it's probably a good idea to seek support for them. Well done to DD and I hope you can get some support too

Free way to thank a teacher, it can be done anonymously if you prefer but I think you should also ask about an early help referral.
www.teachingawards.com/about-us/thank-a-teacher/