Mental Health for Kids and Teens
Informative Articles
Recognizing warning signs and employing self-control skills can help de-escalate challenging situations for your children. It is important to identify potential triggers and plan appropriate responses in advance. Additionally, understanding the distinction between reacting and responding is crucial when supporting your kids.
Remember, individuals of all ages experience stress; the key lies in how we manage and address it!
Creative Activities
Engaging in interactive activities and creative expression is vital for children as it enables them to process and manage the stresses and traumas they may encounter in life. When children are given the opportunity to create—whether through art, music, storytelling, or play—they can channel their emotions and experiences into something tangible.
This not only aids in their emotional development but also fosters resilience. By providing a safe and supportive environment for these outlets, caregivers, and guardians can help children feel understood and secure. This positive atmosphere encourages open communication and builds trust, ultimately allowing children to navigate their feelings more effectively and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Nature Play: Senses that are often underappreciated, like sound, have the power to elevate our awareness and cultivate mindfulness. This is particularly profound in unfamiliar surroundings, such as a walk through the countryside with loved ones. (PositivePsychology.com)
1. Pause and listen
2. What can you hear that is nearby?
3. What can you hear that is far away?
4. What is the loudest sound?
5. What is the quietest sound?
6. Can you walk without making a noise?
Interactive Games
Encouraging children to engage in games can significantly contribute to their ability to destress and unwind. Playing games not only offers a fun escape from daily pressures but also facilitates relaxation, allowing kids to recharge their mental and emotional batteries. Moreover, many of the games highlighted below provide excellent opportunities for learning. They cover essential topics such as media literacy, which helps kids navigate the vast amounts of information available to them; resiliency, teaching them how to bounce back from challenges; and critical thinking, enhancing their ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions.
These interactive experiences are particularly well-suited for children who possess basic computer skills and the ability to read, ensuring they can fully engage and benefit from the educational content presented in the games.
These games were created by the Jennifer Ann's Group as part of an initiative called Gaming Against Violence. To learn more, click here.
Learn about Resiliencey
► Play New Sun online: Resilience & Family
► Play One New Message online: Resilience & Coping Strategies
► Play UnEarth online: Communication & Conflict Navigation
► Play What's Next?!? online: Real-world Resilience Tips
Learn about Gaslighting
► Play Lamplight Hollow online
► Play What's Next?!? online: Real-world Resilience Tips
Learn about Critical Thinking
► Play Figure It Sprout online
► Play MushWhom? online
Learn about Healthy Relationships & Dating
► Play Honeymoon online
Learn about Information Integrity
► Play Culture Overload online
YouTube Video Collection
Below is a curated list of engaging YouTube videos that can be beneficial for your child or classroom environment. These videos encompass a variety of themes, including calming music to create a peaceful atmosphere, as well as practical stress management and anger management techniques. Each video is designed to support emotional well-being and promote relaxation, providing valuable resources for both children and educators.