blogtober

It’s Mental Health Awareness Day and we often think of things we can do to improve our own mental health. I’m currently in a slump from my treatment, but I’m trying to stay upbeat and hoping it has worked. One thing that has worried me a lot more than my own health recently is the mental health of my Children.

Children’s Mental Health

It’s been a tough year for children. I thought mine were doing okay and to be honest they were during lock down. It seems kind of crazy but while everyone was locked in their own little bubbles we seemed to relax more as a family. The kids seemed to have no worries. We didn’t worry about the virus because we were not going out or seeing anyone. They didn’t mind being stuck at home, we missed our holiday, they didn’t really care. (I think it bothered me more, I love the sea side.) They did their own thing, enjoyed the pool in the garden on hot days, played games and chatted with their friends online. They were happy.

Then lock down finished and we attempted to go out. That’s when it became apparent that their little bubble at home was their safe place and they didn’t want to face the outside world. That’s not healthy. Even with the threat of a pandemic, we still have to carry on living in this world, which is a lot bigger than our house and garden.

Tackling Children’s Mental Health

I’ve a few years experience of how Children’s mental health can spiral out of control and I’m happy to say that things have improved. There is a lot more help now for children, where once they were not taken seriously.

Both my girls have taken advantage of Place 2 Be counselling which has been offered in their school.

1 in 8

children and young people have a diagnosable mental health problem, and many continue to have these problems into adulthood.

50%

of those with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age of 14.

1 in 10 

boys aged 5-19 with a mental health condition are excluded in some form from school

Place2Be provides child counselling and mental health support in schools, including primary, secondary and all-through schools across England, Scotland and Wales.

Each school has a dedicated Place2Be mental health professional who is an integral part of the school team.

They work closely with pupils, families and staff to improve emotional wellbeing and provide mental health support for the whole school.

Books Helping Children with their Mental Health

My girls are difficult to talk to some times. So I try to help them in other ways. I have lovely friends who have written some great books for young people and without pushing them at my girls I’ve just left them lying around. It worked, both have picked them up and read them. Giving them both a little confidence boost and the tools they need to help them through the most difficult of times.

These books are;

This positive and insightful guide gives you the tools to build your confidence, eliminate negative feelings and boost happiness in all areas of your life.

Being a teenager has its own unique challenges, but it’s also the perfect time to shape your own mental wellbeing and happiness. Scientists reckon 40% of your happiness is within your control, that’s A LOT of happiness and this book will help you to harness it…

There are tons of ideas to try from creating an anxiety toolkit, to planning a digital detox and meditating, plus you’ll learn the science behind why they work. Carry out the activities by yourself or with family and friends and take your happiness into your own hands!

My Review of Be Happy Be You.

Support children’s emotional well being and boost happiness. Empower children to shape their lives and the lives of others around them.

This illustrated activity book helps them take practical steps towards creating their own happiness and positive self-esteem.

• Full of simple, practical ideas to help children to feel confident, strong and happy
• Fun activities that can be done on their own or with friends and family
• Plant a seed bomb outdoors, make a happy playlist or create a recycling monster
• Learn about the surprising science behind emotions along the way
• From award-winning parenting bloggers

Talking Can Be Difficult

When your children get older it can be difficult to talk to them about the things that are bothering them. They seem to internalise everything which doesn’t help much. Sometimes though, they can just start talking, maybe you will notice a time of day when they are more willing to chat. Take advantage of this and talk. It may be over dinner, or while helping with tasks around the house. It’s amazing what your child may reveal while helping folding up the laundry.

Talking is good, but it’s frustrating when your teen won’t co-operate. You just need to let them know that you are there if they need you. And if they do start talking, it doesn’t matter how busy you are, let them know that they are more important. It’s just like having a new born, you have to stop what you are doing to feed them or change them. You can stop what you are doing to talk to your teen when they are ready to open up.

Joining in with Blogtober, todays prompt is relax, and that’s a great way to create the right sort of environment for your child. I hope everyone has the chance to relax this weekend.