Making Mental Health Awareness Week Fun for Children

Mental Health Awareness Week is a fantastic opportunity to introduce children to the importance of mental wellbeing in a way that’s engaging and enjoyable. By incorporating fun activities, we can create a positive and lasting impact on their perception of mental health. Here are some creative and playful ideas to make this week memorable and beneficial for children.

1. Story Time with a Twist

Children love stories, and they can be a powerful tool for teaching about emotions and mental health. Choose books that address feelings, resilience, and kindness. Classics like ‘The Colour Monster’ by Anna Llenas and ‘In My Heart: A Book of Feelings’ by Jo Witek can help children understand and articulate their emotions. Make it interactive by asking questions like, “How do you think the character feels?” or “What would you do in that situation?” This helps children to empathise and express their own feelings.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Activities

Introduce mindfulness in a way that’s fun and accessible. Simple activities like deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or even yoga can be turned into a game. For example, play “Mindful Otti Says,” where children follow commands like “Otti says take a deep breath” or “Otti says imagine you are a calm, peaceful lake.” This not only teaches them mindfulness but also helps them to practice self regulation in a playful setting.

3. Arts and Crafts for Emotional Expression

Arts and crafts are perfect for allowing children to express their feelings creatively. Set up a ‘Feelings Art Station’ with materials like paper, crayons, markers, and stickers. Encourage children to draw or craft how they feel or what makes them happy, sad, or angry. Another great activity is making a ‘Mood Jar’ by filling a jar with water, glitter, and food colouring. Shaking the jar can represent how emotions can feel turbulent, and watching the glitter settle can symbolise calming down.

4. Emotion Charades

Turn understanding emotions into a game with Emotion Charades. Write down different emotions on slips of paper and have children act them out while others guess. This helps children recognise and label emotions, improving their emotional vocabulary and empathy. To make it even more engaging, include silly emotions like ‘confused chicken’ or ‘excited otter’.

5. Kindness Challenge

Encourage acts of kindness with a Kindness Challenge. Create a list of small, achievable acts of kindness that children can do each day of the week. Ideas include drawing a picture for a friend, helping with a household chore, or giving a compliment. Celebrate their acts of kindness with a special ‘Kindness Certificate’ or a small reward at the end of the week. This not only promotes positive behaviour but also reinforces the connection between kindness and happiness.

6. Mental Health Heroes

Introduce children to the concept of mental health heroes – people who help others with their mental health. This could be counsellors, therapists, or even everyday people who are good listeners and friends. Create a fun project where kids can design their own Mental Health Hero, complete with a name, special powers, and a story about how they help others feel better. This activity can help simplify mental health support and show children that seeking help is a positive thing.

7. Feelings Music and Dance Party

Music and movement are excellent ways for children to express and manage emotions. Create a playlist with songs that express different feelings and turn the afternoon into a dance party where children can move to the music. Incorporate pauses where they can share how the song makes them feel or why they chose a particular dance move. This activity combines physical activity, emotional expression, and lots of fun.

8. Gratitude Journal

Introduce children to the concept of gratitude by creating a Gratitude Journal. Each day of the week, have them write or draw something they are thankful for. This practice can help shift their focus to positive aspects of their life and enhance their overall wellbeing. You can make it more engaging by providing colourful journals or stickers to decorate their entries.

By making Mental Health Awareness Week engaging and fun, we can help children develop a healthy understanding of mental health while enjoying themselves. These activities not only educate but also provide them with tools to manage their emotions and foster a positive mindset. Let’s make mental health a joyful and integral part of their lives!