Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Children and adults can struggle with their social, emotional and mental health, please speak to your class teacher, Miss Higgins or the SENCo if you are worried about anything and we can look at strategies and support for you child. 

There is a dedicated page for mental health helplines on the Local Offer website, which can be found here. 

Mindfulness is a great way to practice relaxation with your child, below are some ideas of things you could do after school or at the weekend.

Breathing Exercises: Teach simple breathing exercises like "balloon breaths" (inflating and deflating a pretend balloon with deep breaths) or "bunny breaths" (taking short, quick breaths in and out through the nose).

Mindful Colouring: Provide intricate colouring sheets or mandalas for children to colour mindfully. Encourage them to focus on the colours, sensations of holding the crayons/coloured pencils, and the movements of their hands.

Nature Walks: Take them on mindful nature walks, encouraging them to observe and appreciate their surroundings using all their senses—listening to birds, feeling the wind, smelling flowers, etc.

Mindful Eating: Have them focus on eating a small snack mindfully, paying attention to the taste, texture, and sensations while eating slowly and deliberately.

Emotion Check-In: Use a feelings chart or emoji cards to help children identify and express their emotions. Allow them to talk about their feelings without judgment.

Guided Imagery: Lead them through guided imagery exercises where they close their eyes and imagine calming scenes or scenarios, like floating on a cloud or being in a peaceful place.

Yoga for Kids: Introduce simple yoga poses or sequences designed for children. Combine movement with breathing exercises for relaxation.

Positive Affirmations: Encourage them to create and repeat positive affirmations daily. They can design affirmation cards with phrases like "I am strong," "I am brave," or "I am kind."

Gratitude Practice: Have them keep a gratitude journal, writing down things they are thankful for each day, fostering a positive mindset.

Mindful Listening: Play calming music or nature sounds and ask children to focus on the sounds they hear, identifying each one without judgment.

Worry Box/Thoughts Jar: Provide a box or jar where children can write or draw their worries or stressful thoughts, symbolising letting go of these thoughts temporarily.

Remember, consistency and patience are key when introducing mindfulness activities. These exercises can help children develop coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and a greater sense of self-awareness. All activities can be adjusted based on individual needs and preferences.