WELLBEING
Health Matters
A workbook to help your child worry less, how to tackle menopausal hair loss and cold weather skin saviours…
BE KIND TO YOUR MIND
COMPILED BY KATE LOCKETT. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGESM
More than two-thirds of British adults say their mental health has got worse during lockdown, so imagine the impact the disruption to schooling, not being able to see friends and social distancing in the playground could be having on your child’s mental health. Anxiety in children – young and teenage – can present as anything from ongoing sleep issues to overwhelming negative thoughts. Experts will be shining a spotlight on our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing on World Mental Health Day this Saturday, so when better to focus on your child’s needs? Aimed at seven to 11-year-olds, Imogen Harrison’s The Worry Workbook explains what worry is and offers creative ways for children to calm and distract themselves when they feel anxious, such as tummy balloon breathing and doodle breathing – child-friendly versions of deep breathing. Activities span from What If…? challenges to The Magic Mirror of Compliments, which aims to inspire positivity. The book provides tools to express and work through worries and encourages kids to share any worries for a happier outlook.