The Mental Health of our students has never been as great a concern as it has been during this very unpredictable, unsettled school year. Focusing on mindfulness can help to reduce anxiety and stress. It can increase calm, compassion and focus.
Ensuring strong Mental Health and mindfulness is a lifelong pursuit but the foundation is built in the early years.
For children, knowing how they feel, finding the words to express their feeling and then having ideas and strategies of what to do to help themselves, is as challenging as any task they’ll face during their day!
There are many strategies and resources that can help guide us while supporting the most vulnerable. To provide just a bit of assistance, I have added links to a variety of activities, articles and other resources to add to what you are already doing.
If you need help yourself, I’ve also added resources for the adults to access.
For your child:
Make a stress ball:
Stretching and breathing, calming exercises:
Tips to help change that mood:
The Grouch talks about feelings:
How to feel awesome about yourself:
For the adults:
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-services/have-that-talk.aspx