Mental Health and Wellbeing News

Dear Parents/Carers,

Following on from the last newsletter and the Social and Emotional Learning Competencies the next area to look at is Self-Management;

Self-Management is: the abilities to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspiration.

Below are some strategies that will be incorporated within the classrooms and they can be used at home.

• Help your child to brainstorm things they can do when they notice big emotions building up. For example, counting to ten, taking deep breaths, walking away, telling someone how you feel and why, asking someone for help.
• Teach your child to use helpful thoughts or positive self-talk to calm their emotions.
• Teach your child self-calming strategies. For example, breathing exercises or muscle relaxation
• Help your child to recognise and understand the physiological changes that occur in the body as a result of strong emotions.
• Use images and metaphors to help your children understand their feelings. For example, children might watch a balloon blown up until it bursts or learn about volcanic eruptions as visual and practical ways to explore how feelings might build up inside themselves.

If you have any questions or would like further information about Social and Emotional Learning please do not hesitate to contact me.

Deb Owens

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader.