Wellbeing for children (6 -12 years) | Child anxiety symptoms | PTSD in Children

Parent and child activities

Take a look at these useful things to do with your child to help them open up and express themselves:

• Have a box or a jar where your child can pop a note or drawing of 3 things that they have enjoyed about their day.
• Have a separate box or jar where your child can do the same with any worries, thoughts, or feelings. You can check in regularly and talk these over with them - if they want to (be led by them, go at their pace and don't force it!)
• Read books together that help you open up conversations on talking to others and sharing our feelings, such as Margot Sunderland's "A Niffeloo Called Nevermind: A Story for Children who Bottle Things Up" (more suggestions below!)

Useful things that parents can do:

• Keep a book where you can note down any changes in your child's behaviour, for example when they do or say anything unusual for them - this can help you see any patterns.
• Keep a note of sleep patterns: if they are waking a lot, having nightmares, wetting the bed etc.
• Keep clear, firm boundaries that are also kind and understanding.

Aim to be PACEful when communicating with your child. This means: 

- Playful – continue the enjoyment in your relationship and have fun together.
- Acceptance – not trying to change them, they are ok as they are.
- Curiosity – stay interested in their thoughts and feelings.
- Empathy – consider your child's experiences and that they may see the world as an unsafe and threatening place to be. Tune in and listen to what they are saying. Find ways to validate them and let them know that you understand.

(You can read more about Dan Hughes and the PACE approach to relationship building here)

Useful websites

• "Understanding Childhood" including downloadable resources
  
  
• How to teach your kids about the brain
  
  
• Wellbeing and mental health resources for children, young people and families
  
  
• Brighton & Hove Wellbeing Service and resources

• "My Friend Betty" by Jessie Fuller
  
  
• "The Huge bag of Worries" by Virginia Ironside
  
  
• "Help! My Feelings Are Too Big! Making Sense of Yourself and the World After a Difficult Start in Life" by K.L Aspden
  
  
• "What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What-To-Do-Guides for Kids)" by Dawn Huebner
  
  
• "Help! I've Got an Alarm bell Going Off in my Head!" by K.L Aspden
  
  
• "Starving the Anxiety Gremlin for Children Aged 5-9: A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Anxiety Management" by Kate Collins-Donnelly
  
  
• "A Nifflenoo Called Nevermind" by Margot Sunderland (and others in this series)

• Talking About the Covid-19 Pandemic

• Big Feelings Come + Go PDF
  
  
• Suggested books to address different themes, such as: loss and bereavement; moving home etc.

• Child friendly spaces in Brighton & Hove
  
  
• Family Service Directory
  
  
• AMAZE Information, Advice + Support with families with disabled children and children with special educational needs
  
  
• Local Children's Centres Directory