Live ChatGiving our children opportunities to open up to feel seen and heard is one of the most important things a parent or carer can do to support their child's wellbeing.
Understanding and managing emotions is important for development and wellbeing in children and teenagers.
Recognising and naming emotions helps children understand them, which in turn helps them to manage them.
Sometimes, children and teenagers need help with this. Children and teenagers who can understand and manage their emotions are more likely to:
How to help your child recognise and manage their emotions
Anger. Anger appears when things go wrong or if one thinks they have been treated unfairly. Keep an eye on anger so that it does not get out of control.
Joy. Joy can appear when everything in life is going their way, and they are enjoying themselves.
Disgust. Disgust can appear when things start getting dirty, or when your child feels somebody has done something wrong.
Fear. Can appear when things get scary. It is also a warning that danger may be present. Your child should listen to this emotion but not let it get out of control.
Sadness. Feeling sad can make your child feel low. It can appear when things aren’t going well or when they have lost something/someone.
What children and young people told Place2Be, that they need from you.
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you should call your local medical centre/GP.
Family Activities:
Changing Shapes activity – supports young people to look back at their past growths.
Support Balloon activity – helps children think about who supports them to grow.
Creative activity to encourage children to think about, and share, what matters to them (4-11 year olds)
Creative activity to encourage young people to consider what matters to them in their day to day life, and in the wider world (11-14 year olds)
Parenting Smart - Practical tips to support children’s wellbeing and behaviour
Let your child know that if they are worried about something, they should always talk to an adult they trust. It could be you, someone in your family, a teacher, or the school nurse.
“Please don’t worry about trying to fix things for me – I often just need to know you are there for me and understand what I am going through.” Source: Place2Be
Useful websites and resources:
