This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme is Know Yourself, Grow Yourself. The more that children and young people can understand about ourselves, the more prepared they are to express their emotions and take on life’s ups and downs.
Being self-aware means getting to know and understand what we are good at, what we find challenging,our likes and dislikes, what makes us feel joy and what may cause us sadness. It is also about understanding what makes us unique and our fears, hopes and dreams. As we build a sense of self, we grow in our ability to connect with others, as well as develop our skills and talents.It is with this basis we can form strong and healthy relationships, from early childhood right through to adulthood and are equipped to cope with the challenges that life brings our way.
Articles 5, 6, 8 and 29 of the UNCRC must be upheld in order for children and young people to reach their full potential.
Encourage Journaling - Encourage your 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.
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 auseful new coping technique.
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.
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.
Be Visual - Use imagery, such as emojis or flashcards to help children and young people recognise and label their feelings.