When it comes to managing our own mental health (see here), I will often speak about the importance of: Routines Exercise Fresh air Good nutrition Having interests and hobbies (non electronic ones) A sense of achievement (internal validation) which all contribute to our mental health and well-being. Putting in place daily practices, which help us […]
Our brains were made to…… Read More »
Playing games is a great way to talk about feelings. So, in this activity article, we are sharing a FREE download of Emotions Dominoes. Emotions Dominoes Download Here Get started Download the dominoes sheet here Print onto card Cut out the dominoes Introduce each emotion and what they feel like Divide dominoes between children
Children’s Activity: Emotions Dominoes Read More »
From childhood, we are brought up with stories all around us. From picture books to fairytales, to storybooks and poems, to advertising and the newspapers. To the stories we tell children at school through their reports and our messages, to the messages parents feed them at home, in texts or through interactions. We are surrounded
What’s your story? Read More »
Happiness When we feel happy, our bodies release dopamine and serotonin, which make us feel good. In a world, where we can easily up-regulate our amygdala’s to constantly be looking for threat and worry, helping children to tap into their happy, excited and grateful feelings helps counter stress and anxiety. So, in this activity we
Children’s Activity: Creating Happiness Maps Read More »
Procrastination is described as ‘the action of unnecessarily and voluntarily delaying or postponing something, despite knowing that thee will be negative consequences’. In its simplest form, procrastination is a decision to stay in my current emotions and state, rather than push myself into a more uncomfortable or challenging one, despite knowing it will cause me
4 ways to tackle procrastination Read More »
Where does anger come from? Anger is a reaction which comes from the limbic system of the brain. This is the emotional hub of the brain. As part of this, the amygdala, which creates the fight-flight responses, will make a decision as to which reaction will be created when a trigger is identified. It is
Children’s Activity: Creating Anger Maps Read More »
Whilst we have made huge strides forward in our awareness of mental health and its impact on children and young people, particularly since the lockdowns, therapy still sits on an interesting line. Frequently, I talk to so many young people, parents and professionals who still find that whilst we talk about ‘Mental Health Matters’, it
5 Reasons why we need to see therapy as self-care Read More »
What am I feeling? Children develop their emotional skills through play, interactions and exploration. So, what better way to explore feelings than through a game? Download here What to do? Download the activity sheet here In small groups, take it in turns to move counters round the grid and talk about what each situation makes
Children’s Activity: What am I feeling? Read More »
Have you ever noticed, that people talk about confidence as a primary factor? That we believe that we need to acquire it in order to take action? When I am more confident I will…. When I have more confidence I am going to….. If I had more confidence I would….. The interesting thing about confidence
3 ways to promote child confidence Read More »
Where our thoughts go…. our feelings flow…. When we get caught up in day to day life, if things are going wrong it can affect the way that we view all other aspects of our worlds. Suddenly, our hyperfocus is on the negative, rather than the balance. So, this week, we are looking at ‘heart
Children’s Activity: My Heart Checklist Read More »
