Mental Health for Children
At Wren, we aim to nurture a caring and supportive environment to enable our children to learn happily and succeed in everything that they do. We promote awareness of mental health and emotional wellbeing in everything that we do; from assemblies, nurture groups and PSHE lessons to our restorative justice and playground charters. Wellbeing is at the forefront of the school’s curriculum and promoting good mental health is a priority.
At the core of our Christian Vision is the belief that every person is deserving of kindness, fairness and respect. This is fundamental to us and is deep rooted in how we educate the children, both in and outside of the classroom. We recognise that positive mental health is the foundation required if individuals are going to be able to benefit fully from all of the opportunities available to them.
At Wren, the children know that all adults in school are trusted adults who they can talk to if they are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing, or simply need advice.
This page is intended to provide additional information and links for you and your children if you feel that extra mental health support may benefit and build your child’s resilience. We hope you enjoy the videos and the linked webpages.
Top Tips to Support Children and Young People
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Be there to listen
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Support them through difficulties
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Stay involved in their life
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Encourage their interests
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Take what they say seriously
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Build positive routines
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Regularly ask how they are doing so they get used to talking about their feelings and know that there is always someone there to listen should they want it. Find out how to create a space where they will open up.
Pay attention to their emotions and behaviour, and try to help them work through difficulties. It is not always easy when faced with challenging behaviour, but try to help them understand what they are feeling and why.
Show interest in their life and the things that are important to them. It not only helps them to value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them.
Being active or creative, learning new things and being part of a team to help them connect with others are important ways we can all help our mental health. Support and encouragfe them to explore their interests, whatever they are.
Listening to and valuing what they say, without judging their feelings, in turn makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them process and work through their emotions in a more constructive way.
We know it still may not be easy, but try to reintroduce a structure around regular routines, healthy eating and exercise. A good nights sleep is also really important. Try and get them back into routines that fit with school or college.
Video
Watch this lovely video to show some top ways to care for your mental health.
Check Out These Recommended Apps:
Reception and Key Stage 1 (Ages 4 – 7)
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Breathe, Think, and Do with Sesame is a free app that helps kids learn to deal with frustrating situations using the "breathe, think, do" method. They will learn to take long, deep belly breaths to calm down, think of a few strategies to handle the problem and then do those things. They will develop resilience as they overcome frustrations and challenges on their own.
Even young children aged two to five can become more aware of their own emotions. Breathe, Think, Do features your child’s favourite Sesame Street characters to help teach them skills such as problem-solving, self-control, planning and perseverance
To find out more, click here - Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-10)
Mindful Powers
Mindful Powers is one the best mindfulness apps aimed at children aged between 7 and 10. The technique of mindfulness has been very positively received by many of those who have taken the time to learn and practice it. Adults have embraced mindfulness apps to aid their learning and practice.
The contents of this app in both presentation and method are well suited to the target age group. The child friendly graphics have a dreamy quality and the audio is something of an ethereal soundscape. Guided stories lead children towards calmness and focus while a timer option helps them to apply what they have learned to real life.
Find out more here – Mindful Powers App
Where to go for help:
If you are a child:
- Try these brilliant tips for self care - https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/
- If you have lost a loved one - https://www.griefencounter.org.uk/
If you are worried about your child:
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team (CAMHS) - https://www.behcamhs.nhs.uk/parents-and-carers/worried-about-your-child.htm
- Barnet support for parents – Click Here