Praise, enouragement and positive attention

prase helps your child feel good about themselves which boosts self esteem and confidence. You can:

• let your child know you are proud of them
• praise your child for their strengths
• praise when your child behaves in a way you encourage
• give your child attention

Positive self talk

Self-talk is the way we talk to ourselves with our inner voice. Positive self talk is when we say positive things to ourselves. Self talk has a big impact on how we feel and what we do.

Encouraging your child to talk to themselves in a kind and positive way can help improve their well being and manage stress. 

Maintain good realtionships

A positive relationship with your child is critical to supporting wellbeing.

• Share family memories and stories together
• Try eating a meal together each nigh
• Establish and maintain family routines and rituals
• Help your child maintain social connections 

Take notice or being mindful

Mindfulness is paying attention to how you feel and what you see, hear, taste and smell. Mindfulness is being present rather than thinking about the past or present.

Mindfulness can help us slow down and promotes rest and healing. It can make us more aware of our thoughts and feelings and help us to manage stress and anxiety. 

Practise kindness and gratitude

Gratitude is about taking some time to recognise and celebrate the people and things we love and are thnakful for. Being grateful can have a big impact on wellbeing as it stregthens relationships and makes us mroe optimistic. 

Help your child practise gratitude by talking to them about:

• things that make them happy
• things that inspire them
• people and things that nurture them
• experiences and thoughts they would like more of
• helping them notice small pleasures like a warm smile

Promote help seeking 

It can be hard to ask for help but it is important that your child knows that it is okay. Encourage help seeking in your child by:

• asking how things are going
• letting them know it is ok if they are feeling sad or frustrated
• listening without judgement when they seek out your support
• providing teenagers with a range of information about where to get help if they need it. 

Set rules and boundaries 

Clear rules and boundaries help children and young people feel safe.

Involve your child in making the rules and they will be more likely to stick to them. Negotiating rules is a way of showing you respect their growing maturity.