Managing stubborn emotions.

 It's normal and natural for children to feel sad sometimes, but it's important for them to be able to identify what the feeling is. Sometimes talking about their feelings and experience can help to shift a negative thinking pattern, or to problem-solve the issue.

Tips for parents:

• Encourage children to talk about all of their feelings. Let them know that sad feelings are okay sometimes, but that they have some power to help themselves feel better. 
• Teach your child to ask for help.
• Talk to them about who else they can reach out to in their community.
• Your children learn by watching you, so be aware of how you respond to life's stresses.

Tips for kids:

• Do mindful things that require your full concentration, you will STOP THINKING about it. Try colouring books, drawing, craft, reading. Anything that requires full attention.
• Keep a feelings diary.
• Write a gratitude list of all the things you are grateful for and look back at it whenever you're feeling sad.
• Keep busy, see friends, get active.
• Plan fun outings and activities so you have lots to look forward to.
• Set small goals and try to achieve them every day. 
• Routines are healthy, so wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day.
• Stay active to keep those endorphins pumping and eat nutrient-rich food like fresh fruit and veggies. 

Things to look out for:

• Irritability or sadness that seems to go on too long
• loss of pleasure from things they used to enjoy
• change of appetite, change of sleep habits, tiredness
• feelings of worthlessness or any talk about death or dying.

What if it doesn't go away?

Sometimes sadness won't budge, no matter what we do. When this happens ,you might want chat to your School Counsellor, or seek out your GP for advice.

Doreen