Children’s Mental Health Week: Stop, Pause, Reflect

This Children’s Mental Health Week, it’s a perfect time for us as adults—whether we’re parents, carers, teachers, or anyone supporting young people—to stop, pause, and reflect. This year’s theme, “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” is not just a message for children but a reminder for all of us about the power of self-awareness in fostering growth and resilience.

To truly support the mental well-being of the children and young people in our lives, we must first consider our own roles. How do we model self-awareness? How can we create environments that encourage children to explore who they are and grow with confidence? Let’s take a moment to think about this together.

Understanding the Theme: "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself"

The heart of this theme is self-awareness—the ability to understand our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and how they impact ourselves and those around us. When children learn to understand themselves, they unlock the tools they need to navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop healthy relationships.

But self-awareness doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s cultivated through the support and guidance of the adults in their lives. By modelling self-awareness and providing safe, nurturing spaces, we help children embark on their journey of understanding themselves and growing into their full potential.

The Role of Adults in Supporting Self-Awareness

Here are some ways we, as the adults in children’s lives, can reflect on our role and support this journey:

1. Model Self-Awareness

Children learn by observing us. Take time to reflect on your own emotions and behaviours. Share with children moments when you’ve learned something about yourself or grown through a challenge. For example, you might say, “I felt frustrated earlier, so I took a few deep breaths to calm down.” This shows them that self-awareness is a lifelong process.

2. Create Opportunities for Open Conversations

Whether it’s at home or in the classroom, encourage open and non-judgmental conversations about feelings. Ask reflective questions like:

“What’s something you’re really proud of today?”
“Was there something that made you feel nervous or unsure? How did you handle it?”
These questions help children connect with their emotions and build their emotional vocabulary.

3. Foster a Growth Mindset

Remind children that growth comes from learning and trying. Celebrate their efforts rather than just outcomes. If a child says, “I can’t do this,” reframe it with, “You can’t do this yet, but let’s figure it out together.”

4. Provide Tools for Self-Reflection

Encourage activities like journaling, drawing, or mindfulness exercises that help children process their thoughts and feelings. Small practices like these can help children build self-awareness in a manageable way.

5. Support Individuality

Recognise and celebrate what makes each child unique. Acknowledge their strengths and encourage them to explore their interests. This helps children feel seen and valued for who they are.

A Shared Responsibility

Supporting children’s mental health is a collective effort. Whether you’re a teacher fostering a classroom where students feel safe to express themselves, a parent teaching your child to navigate their emotions, or a carer simply being present for a young person’s struggles, your role is invaluable.

This Children’s Mental Health Week, let’s commit to knowing ourselves better so that we can grow alongside the children in our care. By doing so, we create a ripple effect, empowering children to know themselves and grow into resilient, self-aware individuals ready to embrace life’s challenges.

Ahead of this important week, take a moment to pause and reflect