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Kate Middleton Speaks Out In Support Of Children's Mental Health

We love to hear the Duchess speak, but hearing her advocate for children is even better.
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Kate Middleton rarely speaks publicly, but when she does, it's often for a good cause.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who is a patron of the children's mental health charity Place2Be, sat down with kids helped by the organization's work as part of a video supporting Children's Mental Health Week, according to Hello! Canada.

While the 34-year-old spoke about building up kids' confidence, she herself has struggled with public speaking in the past. But in this address, she was articulate and self-assured, looking right into the camera.

"Every child deserves to grow up knowing their potential and feeling confident that they won't fall at the first hurdle," Kate said.

"But for some children, learning to cope with life's challenges can be a struggle."

Place2Be provides in-school support services for kids across the U.K., helping them deal with challenges like bullying, grief and domestic violence.

Kate has been a big advocate for children's mental health, according to People, even giving a public speech back in November.

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Kids' Snacks That Boost Their Mental Health
Crunchy Roasted Lentils(01 of10)
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Pulses like chickpeas, beans and lentils are high in complex carbohydrates, protein and fibre, which all help stabilize blood sugar, which, in turn, helps keep moods even. Roasted chickpeas are a great go-to, but you can also roast lentils. This recipe offers two options: a savoury version topped with garlic salt, and a tempting cinnamon-sugar topped version, too.Get the recipe: Edible Perspective (credit:Edible Perspective)
Farinata Genovese(02 of10)
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This Italian flatbread is made with chickpea flour. Try topping it with tomatoes, ribbons of zucchini, or olives to get in another serving of vegetables at snack time.Get the recipe: Cinnamon Spice (credit:Cinnamon Spice)
Watermelon Slush(03 of10)
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Studies show dehydration can make it hard to think clearly, and affects mood and energy levels. So while drinking enough water is important for us all, you can also get some of your hydration from foods like watermelon. Slices of the fruit are usually a hit with kids, but you can also try this watermelon slush, which is especially tasty and thirst-quenching on a hot day.Get the recipe: Damn Delicious (credit:Damn Delicious)
Strawberry & Mango Fruit Salad(04 of10)
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No one feels happy when they’re sick. This salad is packed with hydrating fruit and vitamin C (especially if you add in some kiwi), which will help fight off sickness. Get the recipe: Cookin’ Canuck (credit:Cookin’ Canuck)
Caterpillar Kebabs(05 of10)
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These little kebabs couldn’t be cuter and the grapes and tomatoes they are made with are fantastic for staying hydrated. If you don’t have the cheese for the eyes, you can easily line the fruit up in the shape of a caterpillar and leave it at that. You’re sure to impress your kids either way, especially if they’re very hungry caterpillars themselves!Get the recipe: Little Food Junction (credit:Little Food Junction)
Baked Potato Bar(06 of10)
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According to a study from the University of Eastern Finland, a diet rich in folate may reduce the risk of depression. To get some folate into your kids, try setting up a baked-potato bar with toppings like black beans, cheese, avocado and more to get your kids to eat the good stuff. (And you don’t even have to turn on the oven; baked potatoes can be microwaved to cut down on the cooking time.)Other food sources of folate include dark leafy greens, sunflower seeds, oranges, broccoli and avocado.Note: Health Canada’s recommended dietary allowance of folate for kids varies depending on age. Visit the site here for more info. Get the recipe: The Yummy Life (credit:The Yummy Life)
Broccoli Parmesan Fritters(07 of10)
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Tempt your kids with these cheesy broccoli fritters. The fat from the cheese will help cut the slight bitterness of the broccoli. Get the recipe: Smitten Kitchen (credit:Smitten Kitchen)
Mini Tuna Melts(08 of10)
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Studies show that the EPA and DHA varieties of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in cold-water fish like tuna and salmon, may help with mood. These little muffin-shaped melts combine canned tuna, cheese, egg and more to make a perfect tiny snack that can easily be packed in a lunch. Get the recipe: Butter Is Not A Carb (credit:Butter Is Not A Carb)
Tart Cherry Pie Snack Balls(09 of10)
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Getting a good night’s sleep is very important for mental health. Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that is involved in sleep-wake cycles. There is some evidence that melatonin may help people fall asleep more quickly, so offer up one of these tart cherry pie snack balls as dessert. In a small way it could help your child get the rest she needs. Plus, it’s delicious!Get the recipe: Montmorency (credit:Montmorency)
Cherry Almond Butter Power Cookies(10 of10)
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Here’s another option for a tart-cherry dessert, which is also filled with healthy ingredients like pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almond butter, banana, and, of course, tart cherries! Get the recipe: Montmorency (credit:Montmorency)

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