The Pandemic has touched us all and for many children and young people, the effects are likely to have longer term implications on both mental health and social behaviour.
As the schools closed, the children experienced a huge loss. The loss of their routine, their teachers, their friends and peers. Family life also changed dramatically too with home schooling being at the forefront of many parents minds and how they were going to manage their work alongside the teaching and childcare. Children missed seeing family members and friends. Their social activities and the life they were familiar with changed and, we know as adults how change impacts us – Children are no different.
As the various easing of restrictions began and children and young people were able to attend their places of learning, many parents breathed a sigh of relief. However, within the education setting, professionals noticed differences in many of the children returning. Their confidence wasn’t as high as it was pre Pandemic, their social skills had regressed in some ways and many appeared anxious. This was without the impact of the home-schooling parents had been doing to the very best of their ability.
These changes have undoubtedly affected many, and parents are now coming forward and asking for help with their children’s mental health.
Remember, “We all have mental health and there is no health without mental health!”.
So how can we improve children’s mental health? Parents can nurture a child’s mental health by building a close relationship with them, providing structure and boundaries, fostering independence, encouraging social connections, teaching healthy habits and modelling positive behaviour.
Place2be suggest how to help at home –
Find time to talk, just the two of you – ‘Check in’ with them while you’re doing things together, so they get used to talking about their feelings.
Play together – Play helps them to be curious, learn new things, solve problems and express feelings without words.
Be a role-model – Show how you cope with difficult feelings and look after yourself
Does my child need support with their mental health?
It is normal to feel angry, sad, worried or stressed sometimes. However, if they’re struggling to cope with those feelings, they might need some support.
Look out for:
- Sudden changes in behaviour
- Negative thoughts and low self-esteem
- Arguing and fighting
- Sleep problems
- Avoiding school or staying with you all the time
- Aches and pains
Remember – everyone is different and these signs might not have anything to do with a mental health problem. Try talking to them first. If you’re worried.
Children and young people can be affected by big changes like:
- Death or illness in the family
- Parents separating
- Moving school or moving house
- Tests and exams
- Adolescence and puberty
- Relationship and friendship problems
Additional Support
The organisation, Young minds have many thing in place to help both children and their parents. They also have a helpline staffed by professionals who are there and ready to help – https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/
Parents Helpline for detailed advice, emotional support and signposting about a child or young person up to the age of 25. Free on 0808 802 5544 from 9:30am – 4pm, Mon – Fri. Parents Helpline is available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You’ll get through to a trained adviser who will listen and talk through your concerns in complete confidence. They will help you to understand your child’s behaviour and give you practical advice on what to do next. If you need further help, they can arrange for a qualified mental health professional to call you for a telephone consultation.
As well as those detailed above, there are many other avenues of help available for example –
- Mental Health Foundation
- GP
- Child psychologists
- Social workers
- Your children’s school staff and this is always a good place to start as they will know your child and
- you and together you can come up with a plan to help.
Above all, talk with your child, be open about your feelings and thoughts (where appropriate) and tell them that is okay not to be okay sometimes.
More Information
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/supporting-your-child-s-mental-health/
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/mental-health-parenting/
http://www.youngpeopleshealth.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AYPH
How can Care first help?
If you feel you may need some emotional or practical support, you can contact Care first on the Freephone number. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. Whilst our BACP accredited Counsellors are available 24/7 to provide support with emotional issues, our expertly trained Information Specialists are available 8am-8pm Monday-Friday to provide advice on any practical issues that may be causing you a stress or worry and help you feel more in control of a situation.
All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.
If you would like to view the Webinar on this is being delivered live on Wednesday 14th July at 12pm, please use the below link to register for this session –
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9113835805978429455
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.