Wellbeing

Smiling Mind

A reminder that the Smiling Mind app is available for free to families.

"It's our most versatile and accessible resource for building positive mental wellbeing. That's why it's perfect for kids and families. It's lifelong mental fitness in your pocket—for every age and every stage. It's the tool always on hand for in the moment support, calming young minds, working through big emotions, preparing for sleep and learning to build the skills to navigate life's ups and downs".

Visit the app store to download

Also available on the Smiling Mind website is Smiling Mind Generation Parents — Smiling Mind a great resource to explore with topics including developing healthy friendships, mental fitness, supporting sleep routines, building confidence and resilience and lots more!

Holiday Time

With holidays approaching and what is often a busy time of the year for many, there are also changes which can be a challenge for some of us. One way to support your family during the break is maintaining routines as much as possible such as bed times, wake up times and eating. You can also introduce holiday routines to support the structure of the day- mornings are the more "active" part of the day, afternoons can be for "calmer" experiences.

Keeping a routine during the school holidays is important for children’s sense of security, development of good habits, and ease of transitioning back to school. Routines help regulate sleep, encourage healthy eating, improve behaviour, and provide learning opportunities. By creating a balanced routine that includes fun activities, family time, and quiet moments, you can ensure that your children have a fulfilling and enjoyable holiday. So, embrace the holidays with a mix of structure and spontaneity, and watch your children thrive!   -One on One Children's Therapy

Some ideas to explore these holidays:

Morning Routine: Start the day with a healthy breakfast, followed by a fun activity like a nature walk or a dance party.

Creative Time: Set aside time for arts and crafts. Let your children’s creativity flow with painting, drawing or making DIY projects.

Outdoor Play: Encourage outdoor play. Whether it’s a trip to the park, a bike ride, or playing in the backyard, outdoor activities are great for physical health.

Reading Time: Make reading a daily habit. Choose reading material that interests your child and set aside time each day for reading.

Family Time: Plan activities that the whole family can enjoy together. Movie nights, board games, or cooking a new recipe together can be fun for everyone.

Quiet Time: Include a quiet time in the afternoon. This could be napping, reading, or doing a quiet activity that helps children relax.

Evening Routine: Wind down the day with a calming evening routine. This can include a bath, story time, and a set bedtime.

Anxiety

Understanding why anxiety feels the way it does and where the physical symptoms come from are powerful steps in turning it around. This book, Hey Warrior by Karen Young, may help if your child is feeling anxious and displaying signs of anxiety. 

Whatever you do these holidays, enjoy the break, be safe and look after each other.