Children’s Mental Health Week
1-7th February 2021 is Children’s Mental Health week. The week is run by children’s mental health charity Place2Be and is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on children and young people's mental health. This year’s theme is Express Yourself.
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. Your child can do this through art, music, writing and poetry, dance and drama, photography and film, and doing activities they enjoy.
It is really important for your child to remember that being able to express themself is not about being the best at something or putting on a performance for others. It is about finding a way for your child to show who they are, and how they see the world, that can help them feel good about themselves.
Here are a few simple ways you can encourage your child to express themselves.
- Build on existing interests or passions. Think about what has helped your child get through the past year. A love of dancing? Baking? Drawing? Encourage your child by noticing their unique interests and praising their efforts
- Trying new things can be a great way to find a new creative outlet. There are lots of online tutorials and video demos that you and your child could be inspired by…could you try out something new together?
Remember – you do not need a lot of expensive equipment to get creative at home. Recyclable materials or older items you no longer have a use for can provide amazing inspiration, and of course there is no limit to your imagination!
There are lots of ideas and resources on the Place2Be website, including top tips, Draw your feelings, squiggle game, wellbeing activity ideas and lots more, while you can also view the ‘Don’t do it alone’ campaign on the Kooth website.
