Empowering parents and carers to support their child’s emotional wellbeing within the home

Looking after your family's wellbeing is very important. Families all need some help from time to time due to life changes or events.

As a parent or carer, you can take small steps to help your child's wellbeing as well as your own. You can do this by starting with the basics.

Using the back to basics approach can empower you to take control of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.

Consider one area at a time. Think about your home environment and what small changes you can make together as a family.

When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.

 - Alexander Den Heijer

Think of it as building the foundations of a house, making sure your family has all the basics in place such as:

• Healthy eating
• Sleep
• Exercise
• Good routines
• Looking after yourselves and your child's wellbeing

If foundations are not in place, there is a risk of cracks appearing.

Introduction to the Back To Basics mental health and wellbeing series

 

Take Notice

Be aware of your thoughts and feelings as they can sometimes be difficult to manage. Take notice of changes in behaviour and appearances, both positive and negative, and talk them through.

Try to also pay more attention to the people around you.

• Take 5 minutes out if you are starting to feel overwhelmed in a situation
• Name your thoughts and feelings and help your children to do the same. These are natural and you can role model how these are managed positively
• Take notice of the routines and diet that may affect your child’s wellbeing such as sleep, activity level and mood. High sugar contents prior to bedtime can cause issues

Give

Give time to friends, family members or the community. Most importantly, give yourself time to ensure these basics are in place.

• Offer to help someone on a project
• Volunteer within the community
• Help out at school
• Spend time with friends or family who need some support or help
• Ensure we give ourselves time to support the 5 ways of wellbeing

Be Active

Are you struggling to get motivated? Exercise and physical activity releases happy chemicals from your brain to your body. This will also help us sleep better.

You don’t have to spend money, find something you and your family can enjoy together or as individuals.

• A walk is enough to make a difference, maybe take a scooter, play hide and seek, go to the park or go for a bike ride
• Try a new class or activity online or face to face, depending on your preference and availability
• Contact your local leisure centre or child's school and see what they have on offer

Keep Learning

Learn something new! Did you know that learning something new can help you feel happier and more focused? It can also raise confidence and self-esteem. This can help you connect with others too.

• Sign up for a class or hobby at your local library, leisure centre, school or college. You could also take a look online
• Learn about your families hobbies and interests
• Support your children with their learning and learn with them
• Learn to cook something new from scratch and involve the family

Connect

Connecting with others can give you the opportunity to share positive experiences and provide emotional support for you all. Building good relationships is positive for our wellbeing too.

• Cut down device time
• Switch off the TV, put down devices and play a game as a family
• Make time to sit down as a family
• Try eating a meal together with no distractions
• Invite friends or family over to connect with you

Further Support

If you need urgent support in a crisis, talk to a trusted adult or visit:

• NHS - Where to get urgent help for mental health
• Samaritans - Contact us
• NSPCC - NSPCC Helpline
• Childline

More support is available here:

• Family Information and Services Hub
• Hampshire Healthy Families portal
• Healthier Together
• Young Minds
• Mental Wellbeing Hampshire
• CHAT health

 

This information is provided by Hampshire County Council and can be accessed in full here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/back-to-basics