Children’s Mental Health Week 3rd – 9th February 2025

Practical tips for Parents/Carers

As a parent or caregiver, your role in supporting your child’s mental health is invaluable. Here are a few practical steps you can take to foster emotional wellbeing at home and what Herts Inclusive Theatre also has to offer to support you:

1. Start the conversation early

It’s never too soon to start talking about feelings. Ask your child about their day, how they’re feeling, or if anything’s bothering them. Keep it simple and age appropriate. A good way to ease into these conversations is by sharing your own feelings, showing that its okay to express emotions openly.

2. Recognise the signs

Children often express themselves differently from adults. Changes in behaviour, sleep patterns, eating habits, or sudden bursts of anger can all be signs that a child is struggling emotionally. If you notice persistent changes, it’s important to talk to your child and seek professional help if needed. .

3. Create a safe, supportive environment.

Let your child know they are loved and supported, no matter what. Consistency, routine, and positive reinforcement are essential in helping them feel secure. Encourage activities that promote mental and physical health, such as outdoor play, creative hobbies, and downtime for relaxation.

4. Model Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Children learn by observing those around them. Show them how you manage stress and emotions in healthy ways. Whether it’s deep breathing, taking breaks, journaling, or talking things through with a trusted friend or therapist, demonstrating coping strategies teaches children to adopt similar behaviors.

How can Herts Inclusive Theatre offer support to families?

Herts Inclusive Theatre (HIT) provides a safe, creative, and supportive space for children to express themselves through drama, helping them navigate emotional struggles in a non-judgmental environment. Through inclusive theatre workshops, storytelling, and performance-based activities, HIT encourages children to build confidence, process their emotions, and develop social connections. By using drama as a tool for self-expression, children who may struggle with verbal communication or emotional regulation can explore their feelings in a constructive and enjoyable way. The supportive and understanding facilitators at HIT ensure that every child, regardless of ability or background, feels heard and valued. For those experiencing persistent emotional challenges, HIT can be a vital part of a wider support network, complementing professional help by fostering resilience, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

What are our current children groups working on?

Hemel Children and Youth groups are working on Blacklight Theatre, where we use UV lamps and glow in the dark props. We set up our rehearsal space at the start of class with calm music and our glowing sensory cube and special lamps to start off the session with some mindfulness.

We often use mindfulness games and techniques in our class including:

– Five Things (5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste);

– Freeze & Melt (tense body then soften/relax it from head to toe),

– Focus Pocus – choosing one prop or item, focusing on it in minute detail and describing it in as much detail as possible (encourages paying attention to the moment we’re in instead of worrying about more general things).

– Stretching games and activities

– Using gesture, sounds and non-verbal aspects to express feelings with breathing techniques to blow away bad feelings!

etc

We also incorporate similar games into the warm-down at the end to leave the class feeling calm. Children usually express that they feel happier at the end of the class than when they came in.

If you are interested in joining us, you can find more information on our website:

https://hit-theatre.org.uk

How to Get Involved in Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, whether through raising awareness, participating in school events, or supporting local charities. Help us support more children with their mental health by sharing our socials and telling others of the fantastic work our team do for our community:

Instagram.com/hertsinclusivetheatre/

www.facebook.com/herts.inclusive/

https://hit-theatre.org.uk