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We all know just how much the Duchess of Cambridge feels about the welfare and importance of Children's Mental Health.

This year’s theme is 'Express Yourself' and investigates getting children and adults to find creative ways to express themselves. Whether this be through art, music, dance, or poetry.

In a short clip, the Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of Charity Place2Be, got this week’s campaign up and running with a message of support. Encouraging us to discuss how we feel and share experiences, especially during this difficult time.

There will be many activities through this week. We fully support this campaign, and we hope that we will be able to give some guidance to our followers as this campaign continues.

Children's Mental Health Week is running from the 1st of February to the 7th February. For further information and updates, please visit the link below.

https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/

As the duchess of Cambridge has so eloquently said, “find those ways in which to share your thoughts and feelings, or find someone to talk to, because we really do need to be the very best versions of ourselves for the children in our care.”

To continue our support for Children’s Mental Health Week, here are some of our tips to help your child during this lockdown.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, one of the most significant measures we have had enforced is the “extended periods of lockdown”. Other than the essential visits, all households have been advised to remain in to protect friends, extended family members and above all, the NHS.

We can barely get to grips with all that is going on around us, let alone explain to the young minds about the pandemic and what the ‘new normal’ may be.

According to Young Minds, below is some advice which we believe may be useful for parents, guardians, and all those who are affected by this dreadful pandemic.

Communication – Just as communication is vital for us grownups, effective communication for our children is just as essential. It is vital that we keep our communication open with children about what is happening out there, but where you can try and keep it positive. There is a light at the end of the tunnel but, if course, its ok to be scared, worried, angry, or sad.  

If you want any tips to start the conversation, see the link below: https://youngminds.org.uk/starting-a-conversation-with-your-child/starting-the-conversation/

Be Calm and Reassure – While our children perceive us to be the bearer of all knowledge, we know that we can only tell them what we have been told. Where you can answer their questions and reassure them. You never know but talking to them might make you feel the reassurance you need yourself.

Encouragement and Positivity – Encourage children to do things that might help them when they are anxious or finding something difficult. For example, if they are stressed about homework, maybe a walk or a cycle with family can help get in the fresh air they need to make them feel positive. Remember this is different from person to person and what might work for one child, might be different for others. Always communicate and ask what would help them.

Reassurance – We all need this time to time and as adults we can get the reassurance from our colleagues, friends, family members, the news etc. With children you are their reassurance and encouragement. Reassure them that this pandemic is not going to last forever, and you can do this by speaking about the vaccines going around to help the community, the lockdowns in place. Be wary of their fears and their frustration and help them through this by keeping the communication as frequent as possible.

Routines – Keeping regular routines are important and not just for us adults but for our young minds too. Ensuring meals and bedtime is kept the same is crucial for those minds to be relaxed and energised for the next day.

Remember that your own mental health is important too.