Children’s Mental Health Week

This years theme is Know Yourself, Grow Yourself in partnership with Here4You, supported by The Walt Disney Company and the Inside Out 2 characters.

Below we have some top tips for schools and families around encouraging children and young people to express their emotions:

Encourage journalling

Just like Riley from the Inside Out film, encourage your older children and young people to express their emotions and thoughts through journalling. It can be less confronting than speaking out loud and is a helpful way to process what is going on.

Make space for reflection

When children and young people reflect on their different emotions, it can help them better understand themselves and what they need. Go for a walk, drive, or try some mindful colouring or baking together.

Be visual

Use imagery, such as emojis or flashcards to help children and young people recognise and label their feelings. Click here to view and download our Health for Kids Feelings Activity Sheet.

Practice mindfulness

Try mindful activities, and quiet family time, to enjoy being in the present moment. This can help children and young people be aware of their thoughts and emotions and learn a useful new coping technique.

Communicate

Feedback is crucial for helping us see our blind spots and gain greater insight. Children and young people are no different. Creating safe and supportive ways to share your own experience with your child can help them understand themselves and their impact on the world around them.

If you’re a parent or teacher, click here to find loads of useful advice to help you support the brilliant young people in your lives.

Useful links

• NHS: Better Health- Looking after a child or young person’s mental health