mental health

Mental health affects the way people think, feel and act. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as having a healthy body. As a parent, you play an important role in your child's mental health:

• You can promote good mental health by the things you say and do, and through the environment you create at home.

Mental health in childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems.

Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life.

The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.

Things that can help keep children and young people mentally well include:

• being in good physical health, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise

• having time and the freedom to play, indoors and outdoors

• being part of a family that gets along well most of the time

• going to a school that looks after the well-being of all its pupils

• taking part in local activities for young people.

Check-In with Ms.Howard

• What have you been doing with your time during Covid19?

• Are you completing your school work?

• How are you adjusting to social distancing?

• Are you maintaining healthy relationships?

• Do you have an adult that you can talk to about any concerns?

• Do you have any concerns or questions with the changes in your life?

Example: Covid19 pandemic