This World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2023, ITV’s Britain Get Talking and YoungMinds’ #HelloYellow are collaborating to help children across the country open up.
We are sending home two conversation starters for children, designed to help them talk about the hardest subjects on their minds with their parents or trusted adults. Because sharing worries can help ease stress and reduce anxiety.
Whether they talk, point, draw it is important to remember there are no right or wrong answers. Take the time to talk through any worries one by one. Ensure you listen without judgement, and try not to rush to solve the problem.
Prompt with questions such as:
- How does that make you feel?
- What are you most afraid will happen?
- Would it help if you had more information?
Having someone to talk to is the first step in helping us feel better. Why not do it whilst cooking dinner, doing homework, doing something they enjoy, tending the garden or walking the dog. Talk is the best tool, as we can use it anytime to improve our state of wellness.
Below you will find some communication boards that you can download, screenshot or refer to when having those difficulties conversations or to use on a daily basis as part of personal reflections.
How are you feeling today?
How was your day today?
Daily Check In Board
