Health and Wellbeing
At St John Fisher Primary we are really passionate about supporting children and parents to think and talk about both physical and mental health. A big part of good mental health is learning to understand and process our emotions; so this page has tips, ideas and links, for creative ways of chatting about and handling emotions.
We all have times when we have low Mental Wellbeing, where we feel stressed, upset or find it difficult to cope and as a school we offer different levels of support.
For more information on the support we can offer contact our Pastoral and Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Smith
email: [email protected]
LATEST NEWS:
Supporting Children with Anxiety
Most children, and adults, feel some anxiety from time to time.
When children feel anxious it’s normal for parents and other adults to want to help. The best way to help a child with anxiety is to talk openly and honestly about their feelings, provide reassurance that they’re safe and loved, and help them develop skills to cope with their stress.
Below are some links to information and activities that could be useful for parents in supporting your children:
How to Help a Child With Anxiety
Mental wellbeing activities for toddlers, kids and teens
How to help when your child feels anxious - Support for Parents from Action For Children
DP8663-Anxiety-leaflet-01.21.pdf
Mindfulness Activities for Kids: Instructor's guide
Online Programmes for Parents and carers
There are range of free, online evidence-based programmes available for ALL parents and carers in Halton.
The programmes cover from the ante-natal period through to the teenage years and include targeted programmes such as;
- Understanding your teenager’s brain
- Understanding your child with additional needs
- Understanding your own trauma
- Understanding your relationships
The resource also includes two programmes specifically for older children and teens;
- Understanding your brain
- Understanding your feelings
Once registered, this will give individuals FREE lifetime access to the resources
Further information and how to book on email [email protected]
Here are our top 10 tips to help maintain good wellbeing and mental health:
1. Routine
Try and keep to some sort of routine throughout the week. We all love to lie in but getting up at a normal time will help you feel better and give you the rest of the day to enjoy and complete any tasks you may have.
2. Keep talking
It is difficult not being able to see friends and family however social media when used appropriately can be an extremely good way of keeping in touch with those you love! Always remember to #bekind
3. Exercise
There is a reason why the government allow exercise, this is because it is an excellent way to maintain good mental and physical health. This might be going for a walk, run, Joe Wicks workout, football in your garden and even TikTok dances!
4. Set yourself a project
Now is a great time to set yourself a challenge to achieve over time. It might be a new fitness challenge, craft, reorganising your bedroom, doing things for others, gardening or DIY project,.
5. Sleep
A good nights sleep is critical in feeling well the next day. So put your phones away at a set time and aim to get 7hours minimum each night.
6. Healthy eating
Eating sensibly will help our body and minds to stay active and healthy. Remember to drink lots of water and try where possible to have a balanced diet.
7. Limit news content
Coronavirus news is everywhere! Often newspapers and the media can make us worry and become anxious. It is ok to stay in touch with what is going on from trustworthy sources but limit how much you do this!
8. Take time to relax
You have more time on your hands than you are used to. It is a perfect time to spend time with your family in your household, watch a movie, listen to music, read a book, draw or paint.
9. Keep your mind active
Playing a game, doing a puzzle, quiz or your schoolwork are all examples of great ways to keep your mind active and engaged.
10. Spend time together as a family
It's so easy to let the busyness of the day and the technology around you steal your precious family time, but spending time together and sharing activities together creates bonds, builds relationships and helps children and parents feel they belong in the family.
Some helpful websites can be found below for both adults and children.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
https://www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/parents-and-carers/wellbeing-resources-for-families/