Home > Health > Kids > Mind > School Age > Toddler > 6 Ways to Help Your Child’s Mental Health Post author By The Mum Club Post date 5 February 2024 6 Ways to Help Your Child’s Mental Health The Mum Club5 February 2024 The best thing you can do for your children is to listen, love and support them. So you’ve already got this. But if you want to encourage a happier care free future, these are some things that might help. 1. Follow These Expert Tips… Assess Their Needs Just because they demand chocolate for breakfast doesn’t mean they should have it. However, you will begin to notice a pattern of behaviour in your children. Maybe they’re irrational after nursery pick up and bringing a snack helps, or giving them an earlier bedtime routine means tantrums are averted. Another day pent up energy might mean they need to run it off or a calming bath helps calm their mood. When children are little they have no idea how to regulate their own moods. So noticing triggers can really help avoid upset. But go easy on yourself, it takes time to understand them and we’re not sure anyone ever fully gets it right. Make Time For Yourself Never feel guilty about doing something for yourself! The whole family unit functions better when you make time to fill your cup. And there’s no point prioritising everyone else and forgetting yourself, as your mood will eventually filtrate into the family. So make time for you. Block Off 10 Minutes Giving your child at least 10 minutes one-on-one time really fills up their tank. It also helps regulate their mood and aids independent play as they’ve had their time with you. Try to name it as your ‘special time’, so they know it has a start and a finish and follow their lead in terms of the activity you decide on, so they feel in control. Create a Calmer Bedtime If you’ve had an extremely busy day try factoring in an additional 30 minutes at night to make space for and to soothe their emotions. Children learn to self-soothe through us co-regulating and practicing with them time and time again. Making bedtime a calm time can really support their positive associations and provide them with tangible roots for promoting restful sleep. For more tips follow @jennihoneyben on Instagram 2. Gently Introduce the Idea of Thoughts and Feelings Through Books… KIND BY ALISON GREEN This inspiring picture book talks about the many ways children can be kind, from sharing their toys and games to making those from other countries feel welcome Buy now MY EMOTIONS ACTIVITY BOOK This free downloadable book is full of fun activities encouraging children to start gentle conversations about their thoughts and feelings. Download here 3. Let Them Know You’re Their Biggest Supporter… CLUB PATCHES Got a school or preschool starter? These badges are the perfect reminder to give or sew into your kids clothes or a coat they use for school. Let them know that they have absolutely got this and you’re with them every step of the way. And if they want to be connected to you all they have to do is look or touch the badge. Buy now 4. Reduce Screen Time… YOTO PLAYER Yoto is one of our favourite ways to reduce screen time and still entertain kids. They’re also ad free and microphone free so you can feel confident that your child is safe whilst they enjoy their pick of relaxing content that promotes mindfulness and wellbeing. Whether it’s familiar classics like Paddington, or Meditations to Moshi content, Yoga and Draw-Along activities, there’s loads of options to help children explore their choice of chill independently. Find out more 5. Encourage Physical Activities… Physical health vastly improves mental health and it can improve a child’s mood and also help build connections with other children and build up self-esteem. RUN OFF SOME ENERGY AT RUGBYTOTS Physical health is excellent for your mind, and there are tons of activities you can sign your little ones up to (too many, maybe), but Rugbytots is a great one for teaching them skills and letting them run off some energy. Find out more 6. Give Yourself Some Additional Help… HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR ANXIOUS CHILD, BY POPPY O’NEILL This supportive guide offers helpful solutions and effective coping strategies. From identifying the source of your child’s anxiety to helping your child practise calming techniques when they feel anxious and knowing when to seek support. The Mum Club5 February 2024 ← Reviewed by us: Breville (Sage) Barista Coffee Machine → The Items That Make Getting Dressed Easier
