Dear Parents/Guardians,
Children’s Mental Health Week, run by the Mental Health Charity Place2BE runs from today Monday, 1st until Friday, 7th of February. This year’s theme is “Express Yourself”.
What is it all about?
When children are able to find creative ways to share their feelings, thoughts or ideas it can help them feel good about themselves and who they are. Children can be creative through art, music, writing and poetry, dance and drama, photography and film and doing activities they enjoy.
It is important to remember that being able to express yourself is not about being the best at something or putting on a performance for others, it is about finding a way to show, who you are and how you see the world. THAT, CAN HELP YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF!
Tips for Parents/Guardians:
What can you do?
- Build on their existing interests and passions.
- Try out new things together- check out online tutorials and video demos,
- Focus on the creative process and how it makes them feel. Give praise for trying rather than for doing something well. Remember you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to get creative, recyclable materials can provide amazing inspiration, there’s no limit to imagination!
- Listen carefully, minimise distractions, give your full attention, be aware of your body language and eye contact. Summarise what they have shared and acknowledge their feelings
- Be aware children express themselves all the time… but not necessarily with words. “Listen” to everything they are trying to tell you, through their behaviour, play, creativity, or their silence.
Let your child know if they are worried about something, they should always talk to a trusted adult. It could be someone in their family, their teacher, or any member of school staff.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health, you should talk to a member of school staff or your GP.
Over the week we will share creative ideas with you, here’s one to get you started from the “Art Room”, exploring feelings of worry.
https://www.place2be.org.uk/media/ztvmkdtw/the-art-room-at-home-calm-project.pdf