Wellbeing

Children and Mental Health concerns

Being Anxious

As we all know, some degree of “worry” is a normal part of life and can help us perform well. For children, worrying about an upcoming sporting event or competition, a musical or dance performance, a test, NAPLAN, making and keeping friends, parental expectations, and even coming to school are all common worries some children may have from time to time.

It is when these worries tip over into more chronic and prolonged worries that we need to be concerned for our children. Signs of anxiety may include:

•    Tummy upsets or butterflies in the tummy

•    Difficulties getting to sleep

•    Ruminating about “what might happen…..”

•    Sentences starting with “what if”?? (fortune telling)

•    Saying they don’t want to go to school or pretending to be unwell so as not to go to school

•    Frequent visits to the school nurse

•    Change in body sensations such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, shaking, sweating, uncontrolled crying

Tips to combat anxiety

Try to validate your child’s feelings rather than dismiss them as silly or irrational. Create a family culture of daily relaxation or breathing exercises. Try to figure out what your child’s anxiety triggers might be - getting ready for school, not knowing who is picking them up, or a change of routine. Offer constant reassurance. See the links below for further tips and suggestions.

•    Smiling Mind App - https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app-for-families •    Grounding techniques - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YtnpPPnqaY 

Being Sad

Many things can make a child feel sad. This may be from big or small things. It could be from a problem or interaction at home, at school, or with friends. Being sad is a part of life, however, it is an emotion that parents/carers can feel nervous about when their child experiences it and they may also not want to show their children when they are sad. Sadness is a normal reaction we have in difficult times. Being sad in front of your child shows them that it is common and you will be able to model to them what you do (your strategies) to stop being sad.

Tips to support when someone is sad

•    It’s Okay to not feel Okay - Acknowledge with your child that they are feeling sad and that’s okay. Let them know that they are not alone.

•    Make sure they are being taken care of - Are they eating well, being active like normal, and resting? 

•    Be positive - Acknowledge the positives in their life. A positive attitude can help them figure out how to feel better.

•    Keep being social with others - Make sure they stay connected with friends and family that are important to them.

But what if there are concerns? What if these feelings won't go away?

Almost 14% of 4-11 year olds experienced a mental disorder (in 2013-2014, AIHW). Therefore it is an area that parents/carers need to be informed of. Even though having different emotions is natural, if certain feelings do not go away, are consistent, and are starting to impact your child’s social, schooling, family, or other areas, it may be best to seek further guidance from a professional.

We suggest that if you do have concerns for your child’s mental health that a great first step is to make an appointment with your local General Practitioner and discuss this with them.

If you would like further information on mental health in children these are a few resources:

•    Kids Helpline - Great Australian site for the child and parents! They also have a free 24/7 phone (1800 55 1800) or web chat option - https://kidshelpline.com.au/

•    A Guide for Parents – Supporting your child’s mental health by NEAMI - https://www.neaminational.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Parentsguideweb.p

•    “What is mental health” (for kids) video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPh4-DU6MDU 

Koorie Corner - Yarning Circle!

A yarning circle (or a dialogue) is an important process that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people use to learn from one another, build respect, and share knowledge.

This year, Miss S and Miss Lisa have started up Yarning Circles! Once a month, our Indigenous children come together to share stories, learn about their culture and learn different cultural games and stories together. We are lucky to have a beautiful space where we can do this called the Koorie Corner. Week 4 was our first Yarning Circle and what a success it was! The children were able to learn and understand that they are indigenous.  

Wadawurrung Words: Wadawurrung is the Mob that is just on the other side of the Werribee River. It is the closest Mob to our Mob (Bunnawrong) that has language that is easily accessible. These are some words that can be used with your children at home :)