01/02/2022

Parent tips for Children’s Mental Health Week 2022

Children’s Mental Health Week is from 7th – 13th February. This years’ theme is one we certainly get behind; Growing Together.

Children’s mental health is a priority always, but this annual event organised by Place2Be is a great chance to reflect on ways we can support our child’s wellbeing.

According to Children’s Mental Health Week, 1 in 6 children and young people have a diagnosable mental health problem. With many more children struggling with issues from bullying to bereavement, it’s certainly a big area of concern and something we need to work towards improving.

Growing together

This years’ theme is all about helping children grow emotionally, as well as how we can help others to grow.

Growth is a constant process and one that never stops, even when we become adults.

The challenges we face are one of the key prompts for growth. There’s no doubt that the last couple of years have presented a number of challenges for us all. Some of these will be universal to everyone such as the general restrictions we’ve faced, but others are unique to each individual.

By reflecting on our own experiences, it’s also possible to consider what others may have been through, supporting our sense of empathy.

Top tips for parents

Talk about when your child was younger. Kids will love to hear about the ways in which they’ve grown and developed.

Notice when your child has developed and grown. Recognise and praise their growth.

Encourage them to try new things. This gives them a sense of confidence to continue to develop and grow.

Listen to their hopes and dreams. Encourage them to that everything they do now is a step towards who they might become.

Support them to learn through difficulties. Acknowledge the difficult feelings, but help them to see how these help us grow.

Find the full top tips for parents from Children's Mental Health Week. 

Children's Mental Health Week resources

There’s lots of opportunities for kids to get involved in, and grow together this year.

Place2Be has teamed up with BAFTA Kids to create 2 virtual assemblies, supported by Oak National Academy. There’s 1 for Primary aged children, and 1 for Secondary school kids. Tailoring the message to be age appropriate and engaging. With Oti Mbuses and Kate Willis on board, it’s sure to be something they’ll look forward to.

Get more details.

Here are some more resources designed for parents and carers.

Hear inspiring growth stories from actors, presenters, sports champions and musicians.

On top of that there are some great suggested activities appropriate for Primary and Secondary school aged kids.

Whilst these are designed for schools, they’re also helpful activities we can also try at home to help explore these issues with our own children.

For more information and tips visit Children’s Mental Health Week.