Online help and support for parents, carers and families

Scientific studies have shown us that if we do these five things then we will be happier!

Connect

Connecting with other people and maintaining positive relationships can make you and others feel special. For example:

• Telephone your friends or family to see how they are
• Ask how someone is and really listen when they tell you                          
• Post a letter or card to someone who might be feeling lonely
• Eat meals together with your family and chat about your day
• Play games with your friends over Zoom when you can’t meet up with them    

https://www.crazygames.com/game/uno-online

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/20-best-zoom-games-for-kids/

Take notice

This is taking notice of your own feelings and the people and things around you. It helps you appreciate what’s going on around you. For example:

• Noticing changes in the different seasons when you are outside
• Watching a plant grow
• Keeping a diary of what's been going on/ noting down things to be grateful for each day
• Have a break from screens to really take in what is around you
• Mindfulness activities for staying calm - Colouring, deep breathing, visualisations 
• Look up Relax Kids on Facebook for relaxation exercises and wellbeing tips 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers/pshe-super-mood-movers/zm2gydm

Keep learning

Learning isn’t just for school. Study something new or try something different to improve your confidence. For example:

• Try cooking/baking something new
• Do a puzzle, word search or Sudoku
• Try a new hobby -  draw, write a song, learn to take nice pictures, play an instrument
• Find out interesting facts about something new
• Learn the meaning of a new word

https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/

(fun, hands-on experiments to make music)

https://intheplayroom.co.uk/2013/09/11/kids-baking/

(Mr Men themed baking ideas)

Be active

Getting active can make you feel good and keep you healthy. It will give you more energy for the day. For example:

• Do a fitness challenge eg how many star jumps in a minute
• Discover somewhere new to walk, use a GPS tracking app to plan a route and create your own art on your walk!
• Do some extra stretches when you wake up in the morning
• Dance around to your favourite music and have your own disco
• Sing action songs - 'Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes..'  

https://thebodycoach.com/blog/pe-with-joe

Give

Giving makes everyone feel special – a present, card or even your time just to say thanks. For example:

• Help family members with something – tidy up, care for your pet, make a drink for them
• Post a present/leave a gift on a doorstep
• Sort out old toys to give to a charity shop for someone else to enjoy
• Do something nice for your community eg make nice pictures for your window to cheer others up as they walk past

https://buggyandbuddy.com/window-art-kids/

https://www.5minutefun.com/topic/craft/how-to-make-your-own/gifts/

https://www.5minutefun.com/topic/craft/how-to-make-your-own/cards/

Some really useful information for children who are struggling during lockdown:

https://www.facebook.com/HighlandCAMHS/photos