Promoting Positive Mental Health & Well-Being

As parents and carers, all we want for our children is for them to be happy and thrive. The mental health and wellbeing of our children is foundational for their overall development, impacting their learning, behaviour, relationships and emotional growth.

Fostering a supportive and nurturing environment is crucial for your child’s mental health. Here are key strategies to promote your child's mental health and wellbeing.

Be aware of signs of poor mental health

Poor mental health does not always look like being sad. Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, for example:

• Avoiding certain situations, activities or people
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Unexplained illnesses, such as headaches, nausea, digestive issues or toilet issues
• Changes in personal hygiene
• Changes in friendships and other relationships.
• Unexplained anger, withdrawal or over compliance

Encourage open communication

Creating a safe space for your child to express their feelings is vital. Encourage them to talk about their day, their fears, and their joys. Listen actively and validate their emotions without judgment. This open line of communication helps children feel understood and supported, fostering a sense of security and trust.

Teach and model emotional vocabulary, so your child can identify and communicate their feelings. Statements like “I think that you are looking worried right now”, “I am nervous”, “That person looks confused” can help expand your child’s understanding of emotions.

Avoid emotionally provocative situations

If we know that there are certain times of the day or certain activities that may heighten our child’s anxiety, worry or stress, consider modifying tasks or expectations to reduce negative impact. Some ways in which we can do this is to have routines and schedules to build in predictability and lessen anxiety. We may set and maintain clear boundaries so that our child knows what is expected of them and what to expect in return. Forward planning can help reduce anxieties and give an opportunity to identify trick situations. Using praise and reward can help your child feel safe, supported and regulated.

Make a plan

Help your child to make a plan for when and how to use strategies to lessen anxiety, or distress. For example when I feel….., I can do….., I can ask for help from……..,

Encourage healthy relationships

Positive relationships with family, friends, and teachers contribute significantly to a child's mental health. Encourage your child to build and maintain healthy relationships by modelling respectful and empathetic interactions. Teach them about the importance of kindness, sharing, and cooperation.

Promote physical health

Physical and mental health are closely intertwined. Ensure your child gets regular exercise, eats a balanced diet, and has a good sleep routine. Physical activities or movement, help reduce stress and anxiety while boosting mood and overall energy levels. Establishing a routine that includes these elements can create a balanced and healthy lifestyle for your child.

Encourage play and creativity

Play is an essential part of childhood that contributes to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Encourage your child to engage in free play and creative activities. Whether it's drawing, building with blocks, or imaginative play, these activities help children process their emotions and develop problem-solving skills.

Encourage calming activities

Equip your child with strategies to handle stress and difficult emotions. Teaching mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery, can help children manage anxiety and stay grounded.

To conclude

Promoting your child's mental health involves a holistic approach that includes emotional support, healthy relationships, physical wellbeing, and age-appropriate coping strategies. By fostering an environment of understanding, love, and care, you can significantly contribute to your child’s mental health and overall development.

Promoting Positive Mental Health & Well-Being webinar