This week marks Children’s mental health week and the theme for this year is express yourself. So how can we encourage children to express themselves and why is it so important.
Children’s mental health week
I think given the last 12 months, it is now more important than ever that we focus on the mental health of our children.
School’s are remotely supporting children with their education, and on the whole, doing a great job. The concern for most though is the long term effect on children’s mental health. For those not in the know, schools are being told to focus on the mental health of children as well as their education.
This is a hugely important step in the right direction. Finally recognising the importance of supporting children in a bigger way. Taking a more holistic approach to their education. Supporting their social and emotional needs as well as their physical and intellectual development.
Thankfully schools, in general, have been taking this approach for a while. But there is a lot we, as parent’s can do to support. Here are some ways that you can encourage your child to express themselves.
How to encourage children to express themselves
Let them talk
Make time for this. It is hugely important that your children can open up to you. Parenting is busy work and often we can be so involved that we don’t really Listen. We don’t mean to, but sometimes it is easy to nod along while not hearing what they are saying.
Allow them space
We all need space from time to time, children are no different. Allow them time to think for themselves, to make sense of their emotions and feelings.
In fact even allowing them to develop their play skills alone can be really beneficial for them as well. A time where they can create their own narrative, use their own imagination and creativity.
Introducing the concept of writing down how they feel could really help with this. Maybe trying out some journal prompts to support this could benefit them.
Nurture their creativity
Some children may feel like they are not creative, but it is important we work with them on this. Make sure they are aware that we all have talents that differ from others. Explain that this is OK. Provide them with plenty of different activities that they can try. By allowing them to discover different creative outlets, they will no doubt find one that fits for them.
Positive praise of their creativity is a real boost to their confidence as well.
Get involved
Playing with your children or being artistic is a great opportunity for them to open up as well as express themselves.
Often they’ll be distracted by their play, which in turn can lead them to open up and talk freely.
Never rubbish their creativity
This feel’s like an obvious one, one that is worth mentioning though. OK so it might not look like a masterpiece, they might have tripped while dancing or the spelling in their story not perfect. None of that matters though, the fact that they did it, enjoyed themselves and were creative is what matters.
An ill thought out comment from their parent may seem harmless as an adult but as a child can be so damaging.
Let them be who they are
If they want to live in fancy dress clothes or wear shorts all year round, let them. If they want to change their hair, it’ll grow back. How every they choose to be creative, let them.
All of these things come from their need to express themselves. They may just be a fleeting moment, but embrace it and let them shine how they see fit.
Why is it so important to encourage children to express themselves
This is a skill that will see us through to adulthood. All of the points above will stand us in good stead for the future. Giving us confidence in our abilities, believing in ourselves and the person we are.
Showing our children that we are willing to listen to them now means that they will always know they can talk to us and be heard.
We are bringing up our children in an upside down world right now. One where everything they know has changed in such a short space of time. We need to offer them as much support as we can and make them feel secure.
How do you support your children and their mental health at home? Do you encourage and nurture their creativity and individualism?
These are some really good tips, thanks for shaing.
We always have dinner time (and now during corona also lunch time) as a talk together as a family time. it’s a great way for the kids to learn to talk about their days and communicate.
That is such an important thing to do. We definitely do this more since lockdown began in March. It makes it a special time and one where we can communicate freely x
I read a tweet the other day about a mother who’s 13 yo had said that we’re never getting out of this pandemic, we’ll always be wearing masks and Covid will never go away. She said it broke her into pieces and I can relate to that. This bloody pandemic is hard on all of us but it’s so much worse in many ways for children. Childhood should be a time of carefree fun and learning. My heart is truly breaking for all kids, young and teens. These are really great tips, Claire, thank you for sharing xx
Oh Lisa, that is so sad. My 13 year old flits between accepting this completely to being very WTF about it all, it is hard to balance in his little mind. He has basically been home since October due to cases in his year group so he is SO over being at home x
I learnt a few skills when I worked as an early years practitioner but all children are different and have unique ways of expressing themselves. Some great tips in this post!
Rosie
Thank you Rosie x x
Creativity is so important and most importantly creativity without judgement. We have been doing some free form art this week to encourage expression which has been so therapeutic and enjoyable for my daughter.
That sounds brilliant and a lot of fun I bet x
I love this post so much! It’s really important to let children be who they are as they’ll pass this confidence through to adulthood in living like their authentic self xx
That’s exactly it. Giving them the building blocks to move in to adulthood with essential skills x x
This is a great post and something all parents need to refresh themselves on. Being able to let your child express themselves and be able to talk freely to you is such a valuable thing
Thank you Samantha x
Some great advice. I’m finding it hard with a preschooler. He doesn’t have the experience to miss too much but he’s feeling it being with me and me alone 24/7.
I think it’s so hard when they really can’t understand why things have changed so much x
As someone who used to work in schools, I know the utmost importance of encouraging children to express themselves, whether that be through art of any other fun activity. Great post Claire x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you Lucy x x
I love this post. Our school did an online assembly for children’s mental health week today. It is important to let kids know their feelings are valid and that they can talk, sit or just chill out with you.
Yes my son’s school did as well and the school I work at, it has really prompted a lot of responses x
We’re champions for creativity in this household and drawing, messy play and acting is a great way for us to show how we are feeling. We’re not so good at listening, so we all need to do that more!
Listening is not always easy, I can be really bad too x
Great post. I have to think a lot about my middle daughter expressing herself as she’s got such a unique style but I let her get on and be happy!
That’s all we want isn’t it, their happiness x x
These sound like some lovely ideas, it is a big thing to help children express themselves and something that should definitely be talked about when it comes to different ways to allow this.
Thank Sarah, i totally agree x
Love this post! I have my niece with me all the time (not since covid) and I also encourage her to express herself and thoughts with me. I feel she doesn’t say the entire truth to protect people she loves but I always remind her that we just want her to be happy and healthy and we only care about her wellbeing. Thanks for sharing x
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My son is quite often the same. I think that is all any of us want for the children in our life x x
Gosh this is honestly such an important post. I don’t have children but all of my siblings do and these points couldn’t be truer. I always try to encourage them to be creative when I can. Thanks for sharing Claire X
Love this post Claire. Obviously not something I have to think about because 1) I don’t have kids and 2) I’m literally never around kids but if/when I do have them, this will be something hugely important for me to incorporate into their lives. I hate it when kids are dictated to of what they should do. Its good to encourage them but if they want to follow a different path, that’s on them and they should be supported.
It must be so tough for kids because they might not even understand about mental health or how they’re feeling in the same way as adults. But great tips about giving them space and nurturing them through this tough time x
This is such a great post! It is so important to encourage children to express themselves and this post is filled with great ideas.
I do not yet have kids but these are incredible tips and will remember this when I am with my niece and nephew
It’s so important that children are able to express themselves, especially now. These are all great ways of encourage them to open up.
I had no idea that it was Children’s Mental Health Week, so thank you for raising awareness. Lovely tips too, such a refreshing read. And love the new blog design 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com