Today we're sharing the first of Place2Be's hints and tips to support children's mental health.
Connect with your child in everyday ways
Moments of connection (and re-connection) are really important in child-caregiver relationships e.g. when you pick them up from school or come in from work, try to give them your full attention and see if this helps you feel better connected as you hug, talk, smile and hear about their day.
Watching your child play and joining in is really important to them – so put your phone away and have a bit of fun – being playful is good for adults too! With older children, you may find times such as car journeys a good time to talk or to reconnect by playing music you both like. It is important to be accessible to a child when they need to talk. You may have to be there ‘on their terms’ and be ready to listen.
Find time to connect as a family
Family life can become busy and stressful, it is important to find some time where you connect together. This could include simple things like cooking, watching a film, playing a game, going to the park or even doing the family shop together.