Life Hacks to support children’s mental health and wellbeing
RCOT publishes OT Life Hacks to support children’s mental health and wellbeing
As part of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has published a series of life hacks to help support children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Developed with the expertise and knowledge of occupational therapists, the life hacks aim to help children and young people develop, achieve and enjoy their everyday lives. Parents and carers can follow the ten activities to support their child’s mental health and wellbeing. They include creating connections, taking on tasks to build confidence and ways to help prepare children for change.
In September last year, RCOT published the results of its children and young people survey which releveled that 53% the occupational therapists had seen an increase in children's mental health needs. The organisation advocates that every school should have access to a children’s occupational therapist so young people, including those affected by the pandemic, receive early support to optimise their potential and to prevent physical, learning and mental health difficulties from escalating.
Dr Sally Payne, RCOT Professional Adviser for Children, Young People and Families said: ‘Occupational therapists have the unique skills and expertise to help children and young people live their best lives as independently as they can. We believe that it’s crucial to listen to the worries of children and young people and take what they say seriously. It’s important to recognise that although it’s normal for children to feel low, anxious, or angry at times, some children may need specialist support to get back on track. As a parent, you know your child best, so if these tips don’t help, and difficulties persist or seem to be getting worse, seek professional advice.’
‘Early intervention and prevention is vital when helping children and young people with their mental and physical health. We believe that occupational therapists should be included in school mental health teams as our practical support helps young people manage their own wellbeing. Occupational therapists have the specialist expertise to meet the needs of children and young people, including those who are disabled or neurodiverse and whose needs are not otherwise being met. Providing school-based occupational therapy services to children and young people is a cost-effective service and as we are trained to address physical and mental health, we are good value for money.’
The ten occupational life hacks are:
1. Create connections
Build your child’s confidence and sense of belonging by spending time with people who share similar interests. Find a group or activity focused on things your child is interested in and help them participate.
2. Establish a routine
Provide reassuring structure and predictability by establishing daily routines that include essential tasks and activities important to your child. This will promote a sense of control and reduce their anxiety.
3. Prepare for change
Does your child get anxious about change? Using a paper-based or digital calendar to help them see how things will be different in future can help reduce the level of anxiety they feel when anticipating change.
4. Encourage variety
Encourage a balance of work, rest and play each day, with a combination of creative, physical, mindful, and social activities. Your child will engage better if you build the activities around their interests. And try to avoid spending too much time on any one thing.
5. Get active
Being active is good for our physical and mental health so find ways to build it into your child’s daily routine. Visit the park after school, dance around the kitchen or go for a bike ride. Getting active can be spontaneous or structured and you can do it alone or with others.
6. Go outside
Being outside has a calming effect and can improve children’s mood. Take activities that are normally done indoors outside. Dress appropriately for the weather and let the rain, wind and sunshine stimulate your child’s senses.
7. Have fun!
Playing and having fun reduces stress levels, so create opportunities to relax and laugh with your child. Watch a silly film together, swap jokes or play a game where winning or losing depends on luck rather than skill.
8. Eat and drink regularly
Eating and drinking well and regularly prevents tiredness and mood changes. Establish an eating routine, avoid long gaps between meals and, if you can, eat together.
9. Build responsibility
Being responsible for a task helps build children’s confidence and self-esteem. It could something as simple as setting the table, sorting the washing, or feeding the family pet. Agree the task with your child and say thank you when it’s done.
10. Wind-down for sleep
We all know a good night’s sleep makes the world of difference. It’s even more important for children, it impacts their health, development, and wellbeing. Try keeping a consistent evening routine with a familiar wind-down time before bed. If possible, keep the bedroom for sleeping, rather than playing or for homework.
About the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) is the professional body for occupational therapy. It is there to help achieve life-changing breakthroughs for its members, for the people it supports and for society as a whole.
Find out more about survey results which finds children's services at ‘crisis point’ - RCOT
Lift up your everyday’ is a campaign to help everyone regain that motivation or overcome new or existing challenges to keep doing the things we love and need to do. Because trying alone is hard, and overcoming a challenge is easier with a help from an expert – that’s where occupational therapists come in. Occupational therapists have the expertise and knowledge to help people get the most out of life – and now we’re bringing a small piece of that knowledge directly to the nation. Find out more about the #OTLifeHacks.
Cover photo from Canva
