mental health and wellbeing
The activities in this booklet have been specially selected to help support children with their wellbeing. They offer children the opportunity to be creative, physical or to explore their feelings and emotions.
Encouraging children to be open about their feelings from an early age gives them the skills and resilience to cope with the ups and downs life will throw at them as they grow up. This booklet gives great advice for parents on how to encourage children to communicate their emotions openly.
Yoga has so many benefits for children! It helps them manage their anxiety; improves emotional regulation; increases body awareness and mindfulness; enhances concentration and memory; and develops strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and motor skills. Try watching 'Cosmic Kids' on YouTube for simple child-friendly yoga classes.
Have these handy cards ready for when you can see your child needs a 'brain break' from home learning, is feeling upset, or simply needs a mindful minute of calming breathing.
Calm jars are a simple mindful tool that children can use when they're feeling upset, anxious or stressed. (You can use a plastic drinks bottle rather than a jar if you wish.) Watching the glitter swirl around and then settle is extremely calming. This is great way to develop mindfulness in young children.
Developing gratitude is a super way to improve the whole family's wellbeing. Try this lovely bedtime activity to end each day on a positive note.
Useful tips to help children calm down and communicate their feelings.
Go on a short walk around the house or outside. Use your senses to help you realise what you're grateful for.
Try this simple technique when you're feeling anxious!
