Short messages on Mental health, stress and anxiety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Not acknowledging a child’s feelings can lead to low self-esteem, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation and an inability to form positive social interactions and relationships.
Teach and nurture children in a gentle and positive way, responding to their feelings and emotions. This helps develop positive self-esteem and mental health.
More emergency care for yourself: list of reasons why you can, for self-doubt; bear to hug, for worry; stress ball, ‘free hug’ ticket from a friend.
Make an emergency care list for when you need help getting through something: favourite film for sadness; calming music for anger; best friend’s ‘phone number for loneliness.
During the summer, older kids are often out doing their own thing, so this is a good opportunity for investing some time in your relationship with your partner.
Creating habits is not about who gets there first…it’s about who stays there longest. Cultivating better habits is a learnable skill where you take control of your personal change.
Get in the habit of re-starting when you falter. Have a back-up plan, a ‘get back up and keep moving’ plan. Find an incentive, motivation, accountability, and an alternative strategy for when you get stuck.
It’s common for parents not to see their friends as much, especially when children are very young. But summer provides a chance for reconnecting as there are lots of activities, like picnics and barbeques where parents and children from different families can get together.
If you have time off work in the summer holidays, make sure it’s really time off. Try not to check emails or work ‘phones and really focus on enjoying time with your family.
Arguments are often a part of family life. Take care to diffuse tensions before things get too heated. If children are arguing, ask them to go into separate rooms and take five minutes to calm themselves. You can do this too if you’re getting wound up.