爱思英语编者按：凯特王妃（Kate Middleton）上周在伦敦的Place2BE Headteacher Conference发表了主题为儿童心理健康的演讲。
凯特出生于英国伯克郡的一个中产阶级家庭，父母非常注重子女的教育问题，将她和其他两个孩子送入英国最昂贵的私立学校。
凯特从小学开始注意培养纯正的口音和端庄的举止，接受淑女教育。
她不仅成绩优异，体育方面也是相当亮眼，擅长曲棍球、越野跑和网球。然后就逐渐成为了父母口中的“别人家的孩子”。
对于这次演讲的主题，她是这么说的：
I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children. I imagine my answer might be similar to many of yours. I know that I was lucky. My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to.
我经常被问及为什么要这么强调儿童心理健康，我觉得我的答案跟你们的差不多。我很幸运，我的父母和老师为我营造了一个完美的、安全的童年，从小我就是在他们的宠爱、尊重、倾听下成长的。
But of course many children are not so lucky. Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges.
当然许多小孩子并没有这么幸运。从我工作以来，拿上瘾这个例子来说，我一次又一次看到许多成年人心理问题的根源在于童年时期未曾解决的问题。
有的媒体曾比喻听到凯特王妃的声音就上撞上日全食，每年差不多才有一次。
Hearing Kate Middleton"s voice is like a total eclipse of the sun, a rare gift that comes along only about once a year.
更何况这次的演讲是她公开演讲中最长的一次！下面配合视频和文稿一起看看凯特王妃都讲了些啥吧。
视频文稿如下：
Thank you Catherine for that kind introduction. I was delighted when I was asked to help open today"s conference.
I want to start by saying a big thank you to all of the head teachers here today. I know how much is asked of you.
The fact that you are all committing your valuable time to support Place2Be, and prioritise the mental health of your students is something that all parents should be grateful for.
I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children. I imagine my answer might be similar to many of yours.
I know that I was lucky. My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to.
But of course many children are not so lucky. Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges.
I am sure you will agree that all children deserve time, attention and love from the adults in their lives. These basic qualities are so much more valuable than the always changing material and social concerns that can seem so important to young people.
As today"s theme reminds us, many children – even those from stable, happy homes – are finding that their heads are just too full. It is our duty, as parents and as teachers, to give all children the space to build their emotional strength and provide a strong foundation for their future.
Of course, not all children have the anchor of a strong family. Many will arrive through your school gates feeling a real lack of love and devotion in their lives. This often leaves them feeling insecure and without confidence and trust in the world around them. That is why your work is so important.
Parents, teachers and other school staff need the tools to help these young people early in their lives. And the earlier, the better. It is proven that early action prevents problems later in life.
Imagine if everyone was able to help just one child who needs to be listened to, needs to be respected, and needs to be loved – we could make such a huge difference for an entire generation.
As head teachers you have the chance to reach tens of thousands of children during your careers, and make an impact on a great scale. Thank you for making the work of
Place2Be part of your mission. I hope you know how much your work is valued.
Thank you – I am really looking forward to the rest of the afternoon.
