This year Place2Be are exploring the theme 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself' in partnership with Here4You, supported by The Walt Disney Company and the Inside Out 2 characters.

The more we can understand about ourselves, the more prepared we are to express our emotions and take on life's ups and downs.  Being self-aware means getting to know and understand what we are good at, what we find difficult, our likes and dislikes, what makes us feel joy and what may cause us sadness. It is also about understanding what makes us unique and our fears, hopes and dreams. As we build a sense of self, we grow in our ability to connect with others as well as develop our skills and talents. It is with this basis that we can form strong and healthy relationships, from early childhood right through to adulthood and are equipped to cope with the challenges that life brings our way.  During Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week we will be completing some activities in school to help us explore our different emotions and grow ourselves.

Why not take a look at some of the suggested activities that you can also try at home:

Encourage journaling: encourage your older children to express their emotions and thoughts through journaling. It can be less confronting and daunting than speaking out loud and is a helpful way to process what is going on.

Make space for reflection: when children and young people reflect on their different emotions, it can help them better understand themselves and what they need. Go for a walk, drive or try some mindful colouring and baking  together.

Be visual: Use imagery such as emojis or flashcards to help children and young people recognise and label their feelings.

Practice mindfulness: Try mindful activities and quiet family time to enjoy being in the present moment. This can help children and young people be aware of their thoughts and emotions and learn a new coping technique.

Communicate: Feedback is crucial for helping us see our blind spots and gain greater insight.  Children and young people are no different.  Creating safe and supportive ways to share your own experience with your child can help them understand themselves and their impact on the world around them.