Mental health and wellbeing are an ever more important issue affecting both adults and young people. With this in mind we’ve out together 5 ways parents can maintain a sense of wellbeing for themselves and their children.
There are so many competing pressures on the modern day parent and finding time for family activities can be hard. If you can , try to spend some one to one time with you child where you can put your everyday worries nd distractions to one side and focus.
Be creative
If your child seems reluctant to sit down and chat to you about how they are feeling, or they;re too young to express their emotions in this way, being creative together can really help. Drawing, painting or modelling could help them to tell you a story and encourage them to express their feelings and emotions in a healthy way.
Be a good role model
Parents, carers and other family members are a big influence on the young people that they spend time with. Reflect on your own behaviour and think about you manage your emotions, such as anger, frustration and sadness, when you’re with your children. Parenting is hard and often a stressful experience. As well as taking time to look after the health and wellbeing of your children, take some time for you. A calm & happy home environment will be of massive benefit to your children.
Work with school
Children spend a significant amount of time at school. Teachers and school staff can be a great support if you’re worried about your child or concerned that something might be happening at school that your child isn’t comfortable telling you about. Try to maintain strong links with school and get to know key members of staff
Actively listen
Listen actively to your child and their feelings. This could involve things like paraphrasing their words back to them and asking questions, to demonstrate they have your attention and that you’ve understood them.
Useful Links
To read more check out some of the below links for more resources and advice on parenting and wellbeing.
Young minds
https://youngminds.org.uk/what-we-do/commission-us/for-schools/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwyZjKBRDu–WG9ayT_ZEBEiQApZBFuGXr8U0coY3W89HlKhJAE8oYCVHbrSs0AOqI91D1I-waAgnr8P8HAQ
The Childrens Society
Promoting positive well-being for children
Our research has shown that a significant minority of children in the UK have low levels of well-being. This will have severe impact on their childhood and life chances, as well as on the families and communities around them, and the agencies that support them. Read the full report, Promoting positive well-being for children
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/research/well-being/publications/promoting-positive-well-being-children
Education Scotland
Parentzone Scotland, pages in this section provide examples of activities which can support your child’s learning about health and wellbeing.
https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/learning-at-home/supporting-health-and-wellbeing
Family Lives
Supporting your child at school. Children can achieve well at school when their family and friends take an interest in their school and schoolwork. Getting involved in your child’s education, even in the simplest way, shows that you care about their school life. Often, the more supported a child feels at home, the more effectively she or he will learn at school. Whatever your lifestyle, or family situation, it is never too soon (or too late) to start helping a child develop a positive attitude towards learning.
http://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/primary/learning-school/supporting-your-child-at-school/
Office for National Statistics – wellbeing data
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/datasets/childrenswellbeingmeasures
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