What Can We Do To Support Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing?
8 February 2022
●Jane Hannah
Now, more than ever, we need to be aware of our children’s mental health and wellbeing and be looking for ways to support them. According to the NHS, 1 in 6 children and young people have a diagnosable mental health problem with many more struggling with a variety of other challenges.
The importance of addressing children’s mental health and wellbeing needs is reflected in the theme of 2022’s Children’s Mental Health Week: ‘Growing Together’. ‘Growing Together’ encourages young people (and adults) to consider how they have grown and how they can help others to grow. Emphasising the ‘together’ part of mental health reminds us of how much we need others in our lives to keep growing, as well as the impact that we can have on others.
Building mental resilience together
Compass for Life gives everyone it works with the inspiration to define their Super North Star, the courage to pursue it and the support tools needed to reach it. This makes it the perfect programme to allow and encourage children to grow as individuals and together.
Compass For Life Navigator Aaron Eckhoff was recently visiting a primary school, in Dorset delivering to a group of Year 3 students. What was so special about this Compass for Life visit was the engagement of the teacher. She worked hand in hand with the Year 3s to share her life journey and aspirations which really helped to excite and motivate the children. She spoke specifically about the challenging thoughts she initially had about teaching. She also shared how now she is so pleased she followed her Super North Star which was all about helping people and that being a primary school teacher allows her to do this.
Top tips for supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing
Top tips for supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing
Everyone loves telling a story and also listening to one. For younger children, this expands their world. They want to know about when you were little, the life you lived, the dreams you had and, of course, the mistakes you may have made.
Everyone loves telling a story and also listening to one. For younger children, this expands their world. They want to know about when you were little, the life you lived, the dreams you had and, of course, the mistakes you may have made.
Recognise when a child has developed and grown
This isn’t about winning trophies or results, but to say “well done” for never giving up, for trying their best, for being kind and compassionate to their friends, strangers or family.
Support and encourage young people to try new things
Do this by helping them to see challenges as opportunities. The brain doesn’t know the difference between anxiety and excitement. We experience the same physical responses of increased heart rate, sweaty palms and butterflies in the tummy for both emotions. The only difference is the narrative in our minds. Therefore, try encouraging the young people in your life to change ‘I am scared or nervous’ to ‘I am excited about this opportunity’.
Encourage your young people to think big about what their Super North Star is. Listen to their dreams. Always be positive and help them to think as big as they can.
Get free resources for Children’s Mental Health Week here.