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A way to start talking about positive mental health.

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Hand Breathing Relaxation and Regulation Tool by Dr Karen Treisman

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Our Mental Health Space - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

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Why is grounding important for children?

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Why is grounding important for children?

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Grounding exercises can help children and teenagers calm down and manage emotions. In a grounding exercise, children breathe deeply and focus on things around them. Children can do grounding exercises anywhere.

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An introduction to a sensory, soothing, regulating, calming, grounding box by Dr Karen Treisman

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Research has shown that people with learning disabilities who learn Soles of the Feet meditation are able to better manage emotional problems such as anger and anxiety – and continue to use their mindfulness skills for a long time (the longest study has been 4 years) after being taught.

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soles of feet meditation children - Google Search

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Our Mental Health Space - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

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Mindfulness helps people become aware of the present moment, and mindfulness-based

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Mindfulness helps people become aware of the present moment, and mindfulness-based

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programmes can increase well-being and ‘flourishing’, as well as reduce anxiety and

depression (Goyal et al., 2014: Gu et al., 2015).

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SEND: Older Learners: All about me Collage Activity

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Use this resource with your SEND older learners to create an all about me collage. Learners can use the illustrations provided to cut and stick onto a silhouette or draw in their own interests if they'd prefer. The finished results would make a lovely display including all members of the class in an accessible way.

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An intro into some rhythmic relaxation ideas including a butterfly hug by Dr Karen Treisman

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10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation for Teens

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Guided Meditation for Anxiety and Stress Relief | Meditation for Kids

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How are you feeling today?

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Belly Breathing: Mindfulness for Children

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There are lots of way to feel calmer. Try our breathing exercises, activities and games or watch a video to help let go of stress.

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Calming Yoga ft. Nicole from Yotism | Childline

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When we feel worried or nervous, let's use our hands to help refocus and stay calm. Stretch your fingers as wide as you can, and start to take slow deep breaths

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Mindfulness Mondays with Maeve - 5 Finger Breathing

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The Body Scanner! Mindfulness for Children

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Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing - Every Mind Matters

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Good mental health is essential to living happy and healthy lives. See 7 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference. Why not start today?

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Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities

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Research by Professors Eric Emerson and Chris Hatton from Lancaster University (2007) and funded and published by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents with Learning Disabilities in Britain, highlights that children with learning disabilities are more likely to experience poverty and social exclusion and it is these experiences that lead to a greater risk of mental ill-health.

The report is based on the responses of almost 18,500 children aged between 5 and 15 years old*. It found young people with learning disabilities are more likely to have other disorders in addition to their learning disabilities, such as an autistic spectrum disorder, ADHD or a conduct disorder. They are also likely to have fewer friends than other children in Britain and experience more adverse life events, for example, abuse, bereavement and health problems.

Key findings from the research report

Friendships

33% of children with learning disabilities find it harder than average to make friends

25% find it difficult to keep friends

14% have no friends

Social circumstances of children with a learning disability

47% are living in poverty compared to 30 per cent of all British children

In 30% of households, neither parent is in employment, compared to 14 per cent of households with children without learning disabilities

30% of children with learning disabilities live in a single parent household

Social circumstances of children with a learning disability AND mental health problem

53% live in poverty

44% have a mother who is likely to have mental health needs herself

38% are living in households where neither parent is in employment

38% live in a single parent family

Services and support of children with a learning disability AND mental health problem

56% of carers said they received helpful support from services. The most helpful source of support was said to come from the child's teacher (42%)

15% of families did not know what support was available

6% said services were reluctant or unwilling to see their child

* The experiences of the 18,415 children were taken from two surveys conducted by the Office for National Statistics in 1999 and 2004.

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The mental health of young people with learning disabilities

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Young people with learning disabilities more likely to have a mental health problem but this is not linked to their learning disability.

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soles of feet meditation children - Google Search

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Finger Hugging ft. Nicole from Yotism | Childline

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Teachers and education staff, you can create healthy habits and a lifestyle that supports your mental wellbeing through a few simple steps taken at your own pace.

Everyone can do three things for good mental wellbeing:

The benefits that come with all three are powerful and, combined, can also help ease symptoms of mental illness. In some cases, they can even prevent disorders from developing.

Teachers and education staff can create healthy habits and a lifestyle that supports your mental wellbeing through a few simple steps taken at your own pace. Be kind to yourself and remember that you might not find it easy to accomplish everything each week - but that's ok!

Exercise and your mental health

As well as the physical benefits, exercise can help improve sleep quality, energy, and mental health. Movement is also a powerful way to reduce the risk of developing mental illness and easing symptoms. This includes depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

With many benefits, it's clear to see why exercise is great for boosting your mental health. In some cases, exercise is prescribed as a treatment for mental illness.

But remember, you don't have to run a marathon tomorrow - or at all! - focus on finding a way of moving your body that feels good.

A sense of achievement: Getting regular exercise that becomes a habit can feel incredibly rewarding. Over time, you'll build a sense of self-worth, making you feel more confident and stronger (mentally and physically). The beauty of movement is that even the smallest of activities will leave you feeling better.

Decreased stress: Exercise reduces stress hormones (like cortisol) while increasing endorphins, giving you a natural boost.

Improved focus and memory: Those feel-good endorphins also help with concentration. Physical movement stimulates the growth of new brain cells, which can help prevent memory loss. You might find that while exercising, you're distracted from intrusive thoughts and negative emotions. Some find physical activity a positive way to take their mind off worries.

A great way to connect: Having support helps ease the load of mental health challenges and illness. So, taking part in a class or signing up for a team sport is a great way to feel you're not isolated, all while you get your dose of mood-boosting endorphins.

Better confidence: With the physical benefits coming into play, you might find a new sense of confidence. You may have more of a glow, a better posture, and a more vital stride. You may feel more confident in your own skin.

Sounder sleep: Any movement in the day can help with regulating sleep patterns. For evenings, try relaxing activities such as stretching or yoga - you can find specific stretches or postures online that will help promote better sleep.

More energy: Getting your heart pumping will give you a natural boost. Over time you'll likely see you generally have more energy. This extra energy is helpful when you find it hard to get moving and lack motivation.

A healthy habit: Exercise can help build resilience to life's challenges and be a healthy way to cope with symptoms of mental illness. Movement is one of the most effective things to keep in your treatment toolbox.

Overcoming obstacles

The great thing about exercise and mental health is that you don't need to spend hours training in the gym or running marathons to reap the benefits of physical activity. Regular but straightforward movement can go a long way, and even a tiny bit of exercise is better than nothing. Don't underestimate the positive effects of a nice walk!

But for many living with mental health challenges of illness, exercising can be a daunting prospect. You may not have the energy to get up, or you're too nervous about joining a class, or not interested in doing anything at all. This hesitation is completely understandable.

And even when you know all the benefits that exercise brings, taking the first step to doing it is easier said than done. Here are some common barriers and how you can get past them.

You feel exhausted
Sometimes, you don't have the energy, and the last thing you want to do is put on your kit and exercise. But, as mentioned before, exercise makes you feel more energised. Set yourself a goal of a 5-minute walk, and the chances are that once you start moving, you'll find you're ok to keep going.

You feel overwhelmed
When you're stressed or depressed, adding another activity to an already busy day can feel overwhelming and become a burden amongst other commitments. Try viewing movement as a priority and something you do for yourself. Be strict with prioritising this time. It doesn't have to be hours of training, even 15 minutes will help.

You feel hopeless
You might be finding that nothing is worth doing and you're not able to exercise. It's best and ok to start slow and to go at your own pace. To begin with, try a walk or a gentle stretch for a few minutes a day, then slowly build yourself up. Remember, the more you exercise, the more confident you'll become. Start small.

You feel bad about yourself
Low self-esteem can stop you from achieving what you want to. It helps to set a realistic and achievable schedule for your age, weight, emotions, and lifestyle. Again, start slow and when you reach your goals, reward yourself for everything you have achieved.

You are in pain
Before starting any new exercise programme, you should always consult your GP. If you feel pain, you should talk to your doctor about ways to safely exercise so that you can still move, but in a way that is best for you. A gentler option like yoga might be the place to start.

How to get started

1. Start small
If you set unrealistic goals, you'll only feel worse if you don't meet them than when you started. Set achievable milestones that you can tick off along the way and build up to bigger ones over time.

2. Exercise when you know you'll have energy
Some people are spritely in the morning, while others have a second wind in the afternoon or evening! Find a time in the day to exercise that works for you. Don't feel pressured to wake up at dawn to complete a 5k run. You can take a 15-minute walk any time of day. The crucial thing is to do what works for you when you have the most natural energy.

3. Find what you love
Any movement is good movement. So, find what you enjoy and stick to that as you're most likely to want to do something you love, rather than something that feels like a battle.

4. Celebrate small victories
If you do manage to move your body - not matter how long for - make sure you celebrate it. Acknowledge that you took the time to do it. It's an important act of caring for yourself!

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Ways you can be active

You don't have to join a gym to introduce movement into your day. The best way for many living with mental health challenges and illness is to see exercise as a part of your lifestyle - not a chore you have to tick off your to-do list. Here are some clever (and fun) ways you can move.

Go online
You can now do many classes online, from cardio, weight training, yoga, and Pilates. If you're not ready to join an in-person class or are sure that what you're doing is safe, online classes are a great option. They offer you the flexibility to exercise in your own time, your own space, and at your own pace, all while being instructed by a professional.

Move around your home
Gardening or spring cleaning your home are great ways to be active. Not only are you getting your exercise, but you're also accomplishing other tasks - and that deserves two rewards!

Try a movement swap
Start asking yourself, "Could I walk or cycle to where I'm going?" Easy ways to get in more movement are getting off a bus or train one stop earlier, leaving your car at home and cycling, or choosing to use stairs instead of taking a lift. Finding ways to move that are already part of your day is a simple way of fitting more activity into your life.

Be creative
Exercise comes in any shape or form, so enjoy and view physical activity as a chance to be creative. Have a dance to your favourite songs, take a hike, go for a wild swim, stretch at your desk, or walk your neighbour's dog.

Eating well

Like exercise, your diet has an impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. A good, well-balanced diet can also help with preventing and easing symptoms of mental illness. For common disorders such as depression and anxiety, a balanced diet, along with other methods, can help boost your treatment.

When facing mental health or illness symptoms, your diet might not be at the top of your list. You might not want to eat or even be overeating for comfort. Or you may be relying on ready-made meals and processed foods because you don't have the energy or desire to cook. Financial strains may also be playing a role in maintaining a balanced diet. It can be hard to prioritise when you're feeling low.

But small changes with conscious decisions made around your nutrition can:

Improve energy levels

Improve concentration

Help you sleep better

If you think you are using food - or control and restriction of foods - as a coping mechanism that is impacting your life negatively, you may be experiencing an eating disorder. Speak to your GP for advice and support.

Changes you can make
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can you leave you feeling sluggish and foggy. It can also slow down digestion, leaving you bloated and constipated. Overall, it's not comfortable for anyone! Try:

Drinking regularly throughout the day

It's recommended we drink 6-8 glasses, so if you're on the go, it's always handy to carry a reusable water bottle

As soon as you wake up, grab a big glass of water - your body will need it after a long sleep, and doing so gets you into a good habit of staying hydrated throughout the rest of the day

Embrace all food groups
Getting into the habit of eating a variety of food groups will boost your nutrition. The UK Government's Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

Your brain needs different amounts of complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and water to remain healthy, so introduce each group to your meals

Protein is known for boosting your mood - experiment with different sources like fish, meat, beans, pulses, eggs, nuts, and seeds

Meals don't have to be boring - find a food buddy or join an online community to share recipes and cooking tips

Eat regularly
Skipping meals can disturb your blood sugar levels, leaving you susceptible to mood swings and cravings. Eating small but regularly helps keep energy steady and is also helpful if you can't face cooking or eating big meals.
Can you try...?

Planning - this doesn't have to be for a whole week but do think for the day ahead, so that you're stocked and prepared with nutritious small meals and snacks

A healthy and delicious breakfast - porridge, toast, eggs, and fruits are a brilliant way to kick start the day and give you the refuel your body and mind needs after a long sleep

Manage sugar, 'bad' fats, and caffeine
Saturated fats, caffeine, and sugar can negatively affect your brain and are linked to an increase in mental health challenges in the long term. But it's complicated because sometimes they can provide comfort when we're at our lowest - be kind to yourself if that's what you need in the moment.

If you're experiencing anxiety and or depression, you might find caffeine makes your symptoms worse by making you feel jittery and crashing after a quick burst of energy.
Can you try...?

Caffeine-free alternatives - from decaffeinated teas and coffees, herbal teas, to hot drinks made from chicory

Swapping sugary treats like chocolate, sweets, biscuits, and cakes for low sugar fruits like apples, watermelon, or berries

Stick to unsaturated fats like avocado, coconut, olive oil, and walnuts which are packed with omega 3 which can support brain function

Enjoy eating with others
Take meal times as an opportunity to connect with your loved ones. It doesn't have to be every day - even once a week can help boost your mood and make nutrition part of your lifestyle.
Can you try...?

Taking it in turns to cook - and choose something easy to prepare so that you're not feeling overwhelmed

Agree on roles - minimise stress by getting help from others with setting tables, chopping vegetables, washing up, and food shopping

Turn off digital devices - use this time to talk and share

Some foods and supplements need caution if you're taking certain medications. Check with your GP or local pharmacy for more information. Always check with your GP before making any changes to your existing diet.

Sleeping well

You may know first-hand that sleep impacts mental health and vice versa. Many of us find it difficult to sleep, interrupting our daily life from feeling irritable to experiencing more severe health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Mental health challenges and symptoms such as racing and intrusive thoughts, oversleeping during the day, night terrors, and even side effects from medication can cause poor sleep.

Here is what you can do for better sleep.
Steps towards healthy sleep hygiene

Maintain a regular sleep schedule - set a bedtime and wake up at the same time throughout the week (including weekends)

Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol in the evening

Exercise during the day can encourage sound sleep, as can practicing relaxing activities such as yoga or stretching before bedtime

Stay away from screens - find alternative ways to unwind before bedtime, such as reading a book, writing, or meditating

Create a comfortable sleep space - block out light and sounds, and invest in quality bedding and a supportive mattress

Use your bed for sleep and sex only

Keep a notebook by your bed to write down any racing or intrusive thoughts. It can also help to write the things you need to get done the next day

If you can't sleep, try not to force yourself as you may feel more frustrated. It's best to get up and do something relaxing until you feel naturally sleepy

Seeking professional help
There's no shame in reaching out to your GP if you find you're sleeping poorly or living with mental health challenges. As well as the above, you could explore cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Used for examining unhelpful thinking patterns to introduce new formulas for positive thinking, CBT is used for insomnia and reducing sleep issues.
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The building blocks of good mental wellbeing

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Teachers and education staff can create healthy habits and a lifestyle that supports your mental wellbeing through a few simple steps taken at your own pace.

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Stress Bucket Activity | Mental Health Resources

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The stress bucket activity can help young people identify what is causing them stress and what they can do to help reduce it.

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Inside: Kid-friendly coping skills used to help manage anger, including safe ways to express anger, books to read and videos that can help. This post contains affiliate links. Learn more.
It's starting again, as usual, right after your son gets off the school bus. He is frustrated from things that happened during the day, and now he's yelling and stomping around the house. You're feeling overwhelmed and don't know what to do next.
How do you help an angry child?
Here's a collection of the best tools and tips to teach children how to manage their anger in safe and healthy ways. Let's start with some quick, safe ways to help kids express those feelings.

Looking for more quick ideas to help kids express their anger?
Stop sensory meltdowns by hanging upside down 5 simple ways to help children calm angry feelings 10 more ways to help kids manage anger A Different Way to Respond When Your Child is Aggressive
We need to help our kids understand and expect that they will experience a variety of feelings as they go through life, including anger. It's normal to feel angry at times. It's what you do with those feelings that matter.

Here's a great reminder from Imperfect Families that anger is a feeling too.

When a child is in fight, flight or freeze mode, they can't process information as well as when their body is in rest and digest mode. This is not a teachable moment, and they can't take in a lecture at this point. Your goal is to get them through this rough moment. It's best to keep talking to a minimum. When you do speak, make sure you use a neutral, calm, and quiet tone. Keep it short and repeat the same phrase. Repeating it is helpful because they aren't processing information and words as they usually would. Repetition makes it more likely that they'll hear what you are saying.

Phrases that you can say at that moment:

"I'm here for you."

"I love you."

"I want to help you."

"Let me know when you're ready."

"You are mad; I get it."

"I understand."

Looking for some more inspiration for phrases to say? Check this out:
26 Phrases to Calm and Angry Child
When some kids get big feelings, they destroy items around them - rip books, throw toys, etc. If that's the case for your child, it may be helpful for you to set up a safe spot where kids can go when they are angry. In that space, take everything out that can be destroyed or thrown that might injure someone or damage property. If you have more than one floor, set up a safe spot on each level of your home.

If you aren't in the safe spot when your child is dealing with big feelings, move harmful objects out of the way and try to get them to that safe place.

It may make sense to set up their room as a safe place too. We found this helpful when our son was dealing with a lot of angry feelings. We moved his toys and his bookshelf to a different room in the house so he could still play with them. The items that stayed in his room were those things that wouldn't hurt him or us. We did this to keep everyone, including him, safe. And as time went on, and he had better control of his emotions, we were able to add things back to his room.

How to Make a Calm Down Spot at home
Calm Space in Schools
One of the best things you can do is work on teaching coping skills kids can use before things escalate to epic proportions. The trick is practicing when they are in a calm and relaxed mood, not in the moment when they are angry.

Identify Triggers

Start by talking about what's making them angry. Help them identify those triggers, so you both know for the next time. Is it a particular school subject that makes them frustrated? Perhaps being hungry or thirsty? Are their specific noises or locations that are frustrating?

help kids identify where they feel angry in their body

Sometimes, kids don't know they're angry until after the explosion has happened. Help them identify the signs their body gives them that they are feeling angry. Over time, they'll start to recognize that feeling and ideally use a coping skill before things get too overwhelming.

Explore what other emotions they may be feeling

When kids are angry, there are usually other feelings that they are experiencing too. But anger is easy to see and often hides different feelings that lie below the surface. It's sometimes referred to as the "Anger Iceberg." It takes a bit of time to figure it out, but when your child is in a calm place, talk about what other feelings may be hiding underneath their anger.

Read more about the anger iceberg here.

Identify and practice coping skills

Now that they know what causes those big feelings and how to identify them, help them figure out ways to deal with those feelings in safe and healthy ways. Go through the coping skills checklist and have kids check off the skills that work for them, cross off the ones that don't and circle the ones they want to try.

Identify one coping skill your child would like to try. Take a few minutes during the week and have them practice a coping skill they may be able to use next time. For example, if they are going to try using shapes for deep breathing, have them practice before, so they know how it feels. The idea is to have them practice, so they know what it feels like to do it when they are calm.

Using coping skills to deal with big feelings will not go perfectly every time. Learning to manage anger is a work in progress. Little by little, with practice and time, kids will get better at it. Encourage them when they make safe and healthy choices. When they don't, continue to work with them to figure out better steps they can take the next time.

Use a Feelings Thermometer

Using a feelings thermometer can help kids make the connection between their feelings and their coping skills. Here's how you can make an anger thermometer.

How to Make an Anger Thermometer:

Have the child pick out three colors, one for each section of the thermometer and color it in. Then talk about each section.

Ask what it looks like when they are just a little angry, at the bottom of the thermometer. Do they sigh loudly, growl, etc.?

Then move on to the middle section of the thermometer. If they are medium-sized angry, what does that look like? Does their voice get louder? Do they stomp their feet, etc.?

Finally, talk about what it looks like when they are experiencing big anger at the top of the thermometer. What does that look like? Is it yelling, throwing things, etc.?

It isn't always easy for kids to do this. If they are having a hard time identifying what the behaviors were, I tell them what I noticed the last time I saw them get angry. Or, if I haven't seen them angry, I'll give them a prompt to help them, like "When some kids get angry, they yell, is that something you do?"

Once we go through and identify behaviors on the thermometer, then we work on identifying coping skills they can use to calm down. Some examples include getting a drink of water, taking deep breaths, shredding paper, or taking a break.

Make sure they have coping skills that will help them at each level of anger. It's essential to have a variety of coping skills for each level because not all coping skills will work all the time. For some kids, taking a drink of water can help calm them down when they are just slightly angry. However, when they are furious, getting a drink of water won't help. They need to do something different at that point, like take a break.

When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang Poor Sophie has a hard time managing her anger when she has to share gorilla with her sister. It's a visually appealing book to show how big her feelings get and how it looks when she calms down again.

When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Maude Spelman This is part of "The Way I Feel" series. It explains how different things can make you angry, and that feeling angry is an expected part of life, but it's what you do when you're feeling that way that matters.

Cool Down and Work Through Anger by Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed. Another great book that talks about how anger affects your body and suggesting safe ways to express yourself.

Angry Octopus by Lori Lite and Max Stasuyk A great book that actually is a progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing script for kids. It's wonderful!

Don't Rant and Rave on Wednesdays by Adolph Moser It mentions the consequences of having unchecked anger, and acknowledges that adults struggle with this too. A large part of the book explains different strategies kids can use to express anger in a safe way, which I think is fantastic.

How to Take The Grrrr Out of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis I love using this book for kids who are having a hard time managing being angry. I typically read one chapter at a time with the kids and work on some of the strategies listed in the book.

What to Do When Your Temper Flares by Dawn Huebner This book has lovely illustrations and goes through "anger dousing" methods.

Happiness Doesn't Come from Headstands by Tamara Levitt. This is a beautifully illustrated book all about growth mindset and resilience. Leela wants to do headstands and is getting frustrated, and believes the only way she can be happy is if she does headstands. With the help of a friend, she shifts her focus from what she can't do to what she can and focuses on the journey, not the singular goal is doing a headstand.

The Secret to Clara's Calm by Tamara Levitt. This is another beautifully illustrated book that demonstrates the power of mindfulness in managing big feelings. Clara has a bad temper and has big reactions to small problems, but then that leads to kids not wanting to be around her anymore. She works on learning how to be mindful and manage her big feelings with the help of a bird named Brodhi.

Chillax!: How Ernie Learns to Chill Out, Relax and Take Charge of His Anger by Marcella Marino Craver This is a graphic novel, perfect for the tween set.

It's common for parents to struggle with staying calm when their child is angry. As a mom, I know that's tough, especially when your child is having a difficult time. But it's important to learn to do it. You have to get yourself calm before you can help your child. One of the best ways to help your child is to make sure you stay calm yourself.

Use Self-Talk

Here are some phrases that may help you as you are working with your angry kid:

They're having a hard time, not giving me a hard time.

Share my calm, don't join their chaos.

I am in charge of staying calm, no matter how my child is acting and behaving.

All feelings are OK. My job is to help my kid manage them.

I can remain calm, and be a good example for my child.

Be the thermostat, not the thermometer.

TAKE Deep Breaths

If you're getting upset and about to blow up, try deep breathing. I know, it sounds hokey, but it makes a difference. When you are feeling overwhelmed, your body can go into fight, flight, or freeze mode, but in situations like these, you want to stay in rest and digest mode. By taking deep breaths, you're signaling your body to go back to rest and digest mode. Expand your belly as you inhale, and contract your belly as you exhale. Try taking several deep breaths before you take steps to intervene.

Use a grounding technique

If you're overwhelmed, sometimes it helps to do a grounding exercise to calm yourself down.

FIND your support system

Know that you are not alone. Read what this mom has to say about parenting an angry child. If you don't have a support system, then it's time to find one. Here are some ideas for both in person and online support groups to help you.
In Person Support:
There are lots of places you can get support in person. One resource I love is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They offer Family Support Groups, which meet regularly. They also offer a 12 week class for parents by parents, called Family to Family Support. Search for your local NAMI chapter here.

Having support for your child outside of your family can be a lifesaver. Talk to the school, teachers and coaches to help support your child during a difficult time. Sharing knowledge about what strategies work, and how you child responds in different environments is invaluable information.

You can also seek help from a licensed therapist to help support you. It's great to have someone to talk through the tough situations you are experiencing. If scheduling an in-person meeting is tough, you can see therapists online at sites like betterhelp.com. Some kids also benefit from seeing their own therapist. Read this to get a little more information about when you should seek outside help for your child.
Facebook Groups:
Did you know you can search for groups on Facebook to find others who are struggling with similar issues to yours? Here are some active Facebook Groups that have been helpful for families.
Note: You may need to apply to some of these groups in order to be added.
Support for Sensory Needs

Raising Poppies

Happy Sensitive Kids Community

Modern Parenting

The Neighborhood, Imperfect Families

The World's Okayest Parents
Coping Skills for Kids Group
As your son continues to stomp and growl, you take a few deep breaths and say to yourself "Be the thermostat, not the thermometer." Then, in a calm voice, you say to your son "I'm here to help. I love you."

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Inside: Kid-friendly coping skills used to help manage anger, including safe ways to express anger, books to read and videos that can help. This post contains affiliate links. Learn more. It's starting again, as usual, right after your son gets off the school bus.

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Develop hope & optimism by shifting your mood in this fun activity with stormbreak coaches Kate and Darryl.

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Our Mental Health Space - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

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Our Mental Health Space - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

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Our Mental Health Space - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

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If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can’t sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help you.

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Butterfly Hug! 6-Minute Self-Soothing Meditation For Children Using The Butterfly Hug Technique.