The power of connecting with young people
As adults, parents, and carers we can struggle to relate to the young people in our lives. This makes it difficult to know what’s affecting them, and how to help. For Children’s Mental Health Week, we are encouraging young people and adults to make meaningful connections. We look at the different ways you can start that, sometimes tricky conversation about wellbeing.
Making connections and getting active
Making connections and getting active
Finding the words and the time to talk about wellbeing with a young person can be difficult. But we know that talking to young people about mental health is important to them. The best way is to make sure that the young person feels safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Try taking an interest in something that you know the young person enjoys. Sometimes finding an activity to do together can make it easier to start these conversations, while also reinforcing positive wellbeing habits.
Problem solving
Working on a project together, like gardening, DIY, or cooking, can encourage a young person to look at things from a new angle. You could discuss the different ways to approach a problem and ask them to talk through possible solutions. As the adult, we often want to fix things ourselves, but it is important to allow young people to feel empowered through considering and making their own choices.
It helps knowing there’s someone I can talk to It helps knowing there’s someone I can talk to
Encouragement builds confidence
Signing up for a challenge together, like a distance walk, is another way to build positive wellbeing and connections with a young person. A challenge can provide an opportunity for positive reinforcement, boosting their self-esteem and building confidence.
There will be times where the challenge might get tough. Make sure you are clear that it is okay to struggle. Use words of encouragement and reassurance to acknowledge that bad days make the good days even better.
Expressing our feelings
Expressing our feelings
Adults may often want to appear strong around young people. But talking openly about your vulnerabilities sets an encouraging example.
Using creative activities like colouring, drawing, journaling, or music to express our emotions can help us to connect. This can provide them with a space to process their feelings, and if they feel comfortable, an opportunity to share them too.
Staying connected
Asking for help can be hard. Young people may feel scared, ashamed, or may not want to worry an adult, parent, or carer about their problems. It’s therefore important that we stay connected so that our communication is ongoing, not just for when things are bad, but all the time. By staying connected with one another it shows young people that someone is there for them, whenever they are ready to talk.
To find out more about the current state of children’s wellbeing see our Good Childhood Report 2022. We also put together a guide for adults on how to talk to and support young people with their well being.
