Preparing for Children's Mental Health Week

3rd to 9th February

In 2025, the week’s focus will be Know Yourself, Grow Yourself and we will be encouraging our pupils and the adults who surround them to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means to them. 

Getting to know who they are can help children build resilience to cope with different life experiences.  With 1 in 5 children facing mental health challenges, this is important work.

At School, pupils learn about the importance of self-awareness and expressing emotions, along with where they can get support if they need it.  Over the next couple of weeks, we will suggest ways in which families can explore Know Yourself, Grow Yourself at home.  This week, we start with some tips for families from Place2Be, a charity providing mental health services in schools: 

1. Encourage journaling - Encourage older children and young people to express their emotions and thoughts through journaling.  It can be less confronting than speaking out loud and is a helpful way to process what is going on.

2. 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.

3. Be visual - Use imagery, such as emojis or flashcards to help children and young people recognise and label their feelings.

4. 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.

5. 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.