50% of children develop a mental illness by the age of 14.
And this current generation require support like never before.
This week has been children’s mental health week with the theme of expressing yourself developed by the excellent children’s charity Place 2Be.
But as the week ends and lockdown continuing, it’s important to make time for children and to listen to how they are feeling.
Here are 8 tips to help children struggling during lockdown.
1. Know how to spot the signs
- If you notice your child is becoming withdrawn, that there’s been a change in sleeping or eating habits, if they seem to lack confidence or get upset, it might be a sign they’re struggling.
2. Talk to your child
- If you spot sign your child might be struggling, it’s important to talk to them. Keep talking and trying to communicate in any way you can – hugging listening to them, texting them.
3. Create structure and routine
- Try introducing a rota or loose timetable that includes fun things you’re doing during the week. This can help to create a feeling of stability, which can alleviate anxiety.
4. Give children a sense of control through information
- Look online with your children to find useful information and resources that help children feel they have control
5. Keep children learning
- Using fun and creative ways at home to learn alongside continued access to educational opportunities will support your children’s development.
6. Limit screen time
- As most socialising moves online, it’s important to have conversations on how an increase in screen time can have an impact on everyone’s mental health and self-esteem.
7. Help you child manage stress
- If you spot signs your child might be struggling, it’s important to talk to them. Keep talking and trying to communicate in any way you can – hugging, listening to them, texting them, etc
8. Expressing feeling doesn’t have to be face-to-face
- Children might find it easier writing their thoughts down, so the whole family could do this and put them in a feelings box’ and then talk about their good, sad or difficult feelings at the end of the day
Hope today is a good mental health day.