Wellbeing at Western
April 2020
Be Kind To Yourself
As time goes on more and more of us are struggling with our mental health, it's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel right now. Some of us may be stressed, trying to juggle the demands of working from home whilst looking after our families, anxious about whether we are doing enough with our children or worried about a change in our finances. When we are facing such uncertain times it is normal to feel overwhelmed and emotional. Accept the emotion you feel, take some time to do something you find relaxing and talk to someone who will listen and offer support. Most importantly, be kind to yourself, you are doing a fantastic job!
Thrive Activities
We hope you found the previously shared Thrive activities useful. Here are some more ideas of activities you can do with your children to help support their mental and emotional well-being.
Week 3: Thrive Activities for children up to the age of 7
Week 3: Thrive Activities for children up to the age of 11
Week 4: Thrive Activities for children up to the age of 7
Keep Talking
You may have noticed your child's behaviour has changed, they may be more clingy than usual, cry more, argue, shout or withdraw. Children use these behaviours as a way of telling us that they are struggling with big emotions. Our children may be feeling very scared and anxious right now. Although these behaviours can be very challenging for us as parents and carers, it is important that we remain calm and allow them to feel these emotions whilst teaching them safe and appropriate ways of showing or telling us how they feel. This is not easy and takes a lot of emotional strength, but it is worth it.
Continue to talk about mental health with your child. Ask them how they are feeling or what makes them feel relaxed. Take time in your day to create a calm space for them to explore their feelings and work through any worries they may have. Here are some more ideas to help you support your child's mental health.
Emotion Wheel
You could also try using the Emotion Wheel with your child to help them identify how they are feeling. Use this as a tool for opening up discussions about emotions, how they make us feel physically, the kinds of thoughts they make us have and whether it is a nice emotion to feel. If it's not a nice emotion what things could they do to help them feel better- can they do this on their own or do they need support. Help them build a 'tool-kit' of coping techniques: exercise, getting a hug, talking, watching TV or reading a book, mindful breathing.
You are good enough
We are not superhuman, there are only so many hours in the day and there are only so many things we can achieve in those hours. When feeling overwhelmed take a step back and focus on what is really important, right now that is your family and your health. Be wary of social media and those who share all of the activities they are doing with their children, the new skills they have learned, their sparkling clean house. Well done to anyone who is managing these things, but well done to those of us who aren't, those of us just making it through the day! We are all doing our best and that is good enough.
Quick relaxation
When you feel your emotions are starting to overwhelm you here are some quick ideas to help you relax.
Useful Contacts
Please remember that our CGS Team are still on hand to offer support:
Amy Common- Senior Leader for Inclusion
Rachel Orr- Care, Guidance and Support Leader,
Gemma Robson- Learning Mentor
Please contact the school office and one of the team will call you back as soon as they are able.
Samaritans: 116 123
Childline: 0800 1111