The Importance of Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing

I talk a lot on this blog about adult mental health, but children’s mental health is equally as important.

Our situation

I haven’t talked much about this on the blog before, but I frequently post about our situation on social media to help others. Our little one is on a waiting list for an ADHD assessment. I attended some training with a local ADHD charity and one of the things they mentioned is that ADHD brains need 10 positive things, or sayings for every 1 negative event that occurs, or something they perceive as negative.

I am now always mindful that it’s more important for my child to have positivity around her. And I don’t just mean being happy all the time or positive for the sake of it. I mean targeted and meaningful exercises such as age-appropriate mindfulness videos and workbooks.

Check out the NSPCC website for more information on why they believe children’s mental health is so important.

Children's Mental Health & Wellbeing

Resources I have found particularly helpful

The journey our family is on might be something I decide to talk more about in future. For now, we are in the midst of the referral pathway journey and it’s difficult. I also feel like it isn’t my journey to share and that some things need to remain private.

Over the last 18 months, I’ve been in dark places, feeling alone on this journey. Because nobody else understands and the help that should be available, from doctors and the local authority is lacking.

I have therefore collated my own resources and I want to share them with you…

My Happy Mind

The other day, I was scrolling through Facebook when my little one started getting very excited because she saw an ad for My Happy Mind.

Her school are adopting these resources to use at school and they even have a poster outside the school gates.

She spoke extensively about the characters and the work they had done.

I have a lot of thoughts about school policies, particularly attendance. But on this subject, our school are doing well.

I will take that as a positive!

Films – Inside Out

If you have a 5-year-old child like me, I’m sure you have seen the film. We must have watched them as a family about 50 times.

But the message is amazing. My little girl asks me whether we all have voices or characters in our head to help us.

We have a Joy teddy and she chose an anxiety Pop recently as a toy for doing well with her rewards stars.

We even did a high ponytail hairstyle and all her classmates commented on how she looks like anxiety.

The point is, that the film is a great way to introduce both positive and negative emotions to young children.

And I am happy to hear they are talking about the films amongst themselves when they are at school.

Children’s Mental Health Week – Place2Be

Check out the website, where you can find free resources for families and your fundraising pack if you want to set up an event to raise funds for the charity.

Read on for lots more resources to help your children look after their mental health…

Resources for Parents

I have collated some websites with great resources for parents. If your child is struggling or you want any information to pass on to friends and family, check out the links below.

Mindfulness for Children

I wanted to include some videos that are useful for practising mindfulness with your children.

Books for children to help with mental health

You can read more about children’s books related to mental health and emotions in this book review section of my blog.

Why not check out the below blog posts:

My fave parenting blog posts:

20 RELATABLE BLUEY PARENTING MOMENTS WE LOVE

DOWNLOADABLE WORKSHEETS AND LEARNING BOOKS FOR AGES 4-7

IS GENTLE PARENTING EFFECTIVE? READ OUR STORY

5 THINGS THAT HAPPENED WHEN WE STARTED GENTLE PARENTING

HELPING LITTLE KIDS MANAGE BIG EMOTIONS

14 AGE-APPROPRIATE CHORES TO ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE

Summary

I hope you found some useful resources in this post.

Please feel free to share any useful resources you use in the comments below.

Children's Mental Health & Wellbeing

11 Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

If you’re a busy mum, planning half-term activities like me, then read on for some helpful ideas on what to do! My Guide to Half-Term Family Days Out in Lancashire. Including free activities to keep the bank balance from disappearing.

I hope you find some fun activities for your half-term week. Let me know in the comments if you visited any of these places and your thoughts.

As part of my guide, I have a VERY exciting collaboration, where I will be visiting SeaLife Manchester and giving you all the practical information you need ahead of your visit!

You can book the Animal Crossing, SeaLife experience here.

You can read all my Family Day Out reviews here.

All the content regarding our trip to SeaLife will be posted on TikTok & Instagram. Make sure to follow me to check out the updates.

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Let’s dive into the Top 10 Half-Term Family Days Out in Lancashire.

SeaLife Centre Manchester

LOCATION: Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity, Next to, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS

As a family we wanted to visit SeaLife for a long time and February half term 2025 seems the perfect time to do it! ( as part of the collaboration, tickets were gifted, but we paid for everything else, including the mission pack, which had to be done!)

mission pack

Let’s talk about the current attraction on offer to entertain the kids…

Animal Crossing

This February, immerse yourself in a unique universe with Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Manchester!

Explore the ‘SEA LIFE Island’

Equipped with an activity trail to lead the way, guests explore the ‘Sea Life Islands’, meet Tom Nook and residents like Aurora and Octavian, and discover diverse sea creatures. A fossil dig will reveal the ancestors of the marine life that we love today, whilst explorers will search for Gulliver, who washed up on the beaches of the island.

Tom Nook 3

Meet Tom Nook & Isabelle

Come down and meet Tom Nook or Isabelle for a very special photo opportunity!
Character meet & greets will be available every day at select times. The sessions will last about 30 minutes. All times are subject to change.

This event is available between 8 February – 9 March 2025.

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Linton Falls – Walk suitable for toddlers

LOCATION: Linton Falls, Linton, Skipton BD23 6BQ

Parking –

Grassington National Park Visitor Centre – Hebden Rd, Grassington, Skipton BD23 5LB. (Grid ref: SE 003 637)

Linton Falls car park and public toilets Address: 26 Church Rd, Linton, Skipton. (Grid ref: SE 006 6323)

This is a circular family-friendly walk. Linton Falls is a beautiful spot on the River Wharfe near Grassington. The Falls is a series of waterfalls with the main one under the footbridge. You can find lots of detailed information online about the various types of walks available at different times of year and most importantly the safety information you need, especially if you’re taking children on the walk.

Bowland Wild Boar Park

LOCATION: Bowland Wild Boar Park, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2HB

We spend a lot of time in Lancashire now, as my family have a caravan there. This is an attraction we have thought about booking on several occasions and for us February half term is the time!

I enjoyed researching Bowland Wild Boar Park and can’t wait to visit.

Situated in the Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty. See the animals and smaller residents in the animal petting area. There are 62 acres of nature trails and views to explore. And a newly refurbished café and Ice Cream Parlour. You can also stay overnight in one of their camping pods.

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Book your tickets here.

All the activities:

*Ice Cream Parlour and Café serving homemade food

*Barrel, Tractor and Trailer rides

*Lamb Feeding, Chick Holding

*Tank Experience

*See Llamas, Red Deer, Ostriches and lots more!

*Camping pods

*Mobility scooter/Tramper available to book

Windmill Animal Farm

LOCATION: Windmill Animal Farm, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire L40 1UQ

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Opening Times

Reopening daily from 18th January

Weekdays 10am – 4pm

Weekends 10am – 5pm

The majority of activities on the farm are undercover, so you can still visit and have a great time! Including Indoor soft play, meet Farmyard Friends, experience Criters2U, ride the farm train, and much more.

Create wonderful memories down on the farm!

Book your tickets here.

Family Day Out Reviews

Gisburn Forest – Walk

LOCATION: Forestry England, Gisburn Forest and Stocks – Stocks Reservoir, School Lane, Slaidburn, BB7 4TS

Gisburn Forest and Stocks are maintained by Forestry England and are located near Slaidburn in Lancashire.

The Birch Hills walk and tramper trail is an easy walking path. It will take you through mixed woodland with views over Stocks Reservoir. You will pass two wildlife hides, a picnic area and the old vicarage garden. 

There is usually a child-friendly activity trail in the forest which includes a Zog activity trail, a Gruffalo trail and more.

Eating & drinking

There is a cafe serving food and drinks. 

Parking

There is parking and charges apply – Gisburn Forest – Main Car Park. Clitheroe BB7 4TS

Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

LOCATION: Ribble Steam Railway, Chain Caul Rd, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2PD, United Kingdom

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Half term event

Half-Term Pirates and Princess Wednesday

Trains depart from Preston Riverside station at the following times. The return trip lasts 30 minutes.

Timetable –
11.00am
11:45am
12.30pm
1.15pm
2.00pm
2:45pm
3.30pm

No Need to pre-book, just turn up and pay on the day

Opening times

They are open on Wednesday 19th & Saturday 22nd for this event.

What’s included?

Top and Tail trains throughout the day with a steam engine on the front and a diesel engine at the back.

Come dressed as a pirate or princess – there might even be some prizes for the best dressed.

Tickets include entrance to the museum & all-day travel on the trains.

There is a gift shop & a cafe serving drinks and light refreshments.

Rufford Old Hall

LOCATION: 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1SG

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

The house is open for limited days at this time of year, you can find more information here.

The woodland of Rufford Old Hall lies on the grounds of a restored sixteenth-century Tudor building; which is reportedly haunted! Alongside the wood are enjoyable views of the Leeds-Liverpool canal and wildlife: woodpeckers, kingfishers, buzzards and hedgehogs.

A great National Trust site to visit throughout the year with bluebells in the springtime and wonderful autumnal colours.

Stirk House

LOCATION: Gisburn, Clitheroe BB7 4LJ

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

The hotel looks like a lovely place to stop for some lunch and my 5-year-old would love running around the gardens. You can also follow the walking path below…

Stirk House Round Walk

Guests are free to explore the 22 acres of estate grounds at Stirk House and take in the tranquil beauty of the gardens and the ancient forest while spotting wildlife along the way.

Bury Transport Museum

LOCATION: Castlecroft Goods Warehouse, Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Hop off the train East Lancashire Railway at Bury Station, and across the road, in the restored Castlecroft Goods Warehouse from 1848 there is the Bury Transport Museum. If you want to visit the transport museum, an example of ticket prices are below:

Book all experiences on the East Lancashire Railway here.

Worden Park

LOCATION: Worden Lane, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 3DH

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

You can find all the information about visiting the park here.

Worden Park is a hidden gem, situated on the edge of Leyland.

With its mature woodlands, open meadows, historic natural landscapes, varied wildlife and peaceful setting offers a haven of natural beauty where you can walk, picnic and relax in undisturbed surroundings.  In addition to Worden’s natural appeal, it’s a great family day out, where visitors can enjoy a range of facilities.

Opening times

8 am to 5.30 pm in winter through to 10 pm in summer 

Car Parking

  • free car park (restrictions apply) 
  • cycle parking available 

Park facilities

  • children’s playground
  • model railway (opening times apply)
  • café 
  • craft centre 
  • Worden Hall 
  • historic gardens and hedge maze
  • walled kitchen garden 
  • orienteering course 
  • mini golf 
  • public toilets (20p charge applies) 
  • sports pitches 
  • arboretum
  • woodlands, wildflower meadows and ponds
  • dog wash.

Wild Discovery – Ribby Hall Village

LOCATION: Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 2PR

The place looks like so much fun… you can experience being a keeper for the day, animal encounters, and bird-flying encounters.

Book your tickets here.

You can check out all the dining options at Ribby Hall Village here. Below is the map so you can see the distance from Wild Discovery to the restaurants.

Summary

I hope you enjoyed reading the guide.

A Different Way of Making Hot Chocolate

Variety is the spice of life, they say. Speaking of spice, the ancient Mayans knew something we’ve long forgotten: that a pinch of the right spice could transform their sacred cacao drink into something extraordinary. For them, hot chocolate wasn’t just a drink—an experience, a ritual, and a connection to their culture and heritage.

Fast forward to today, and the essence of hot chocolate has become diluted. For most of us, it’s a quick powder mixed with hot water or milk—a convenient fix for a cold day. But real hot chocolate is much more.

Across the misty mountains of South America, where some of the finest cacao trees grow, artisans are reviving the spirit of hot chocolate. Their approach is changing how people experience this timeless drink, and it begins with a simple but powerful idea: keeping it real!

Beyond the Powder

Modern hot chocolate is often a compromise. It’s designed for speed, convenience, and mass production, using processed cocoa powders that strip away much of the cacao’s natural character. In contrast, the artisans crafting this new wave of hot chocolate take a different path—one rooted in authenticity and quality.

It’s about returning to what hot chocolate was meant to be. When you start with whole cacao beans and preserve their natural oils instead of stripping them away, you create something that mass-produced versions can’t match.

Making Hot Chocolate

The Whole Bean Difference

The secret is in a refreshingly straightforward approach: using real cacao beans! Unlike conventional processing, which removes the valuable cacao butter, this method preserves every natural element. The result? A drink with a naturally smooth texture and complex flavour profile that unfolds with every sip.

What makes this approach unique isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the philosophy behind them. Each batch begins with carefully selected South American Fino de Aroma beans, known for their exceptional flavour and aroma. These rare beans represent less than 8% of the world’s cacao production, making them the chocolate world’s equivalent of a fine vintage wine.

The process is as simple as it is meticulous: whole beans, minimal processing, and natural ingredients. No artificial additives, no unnecessary steps—just cacao prepared in a way that highlights its best qualities. The aroma alone is enough to hint at something special: rich, complex, and unmistakably chocolatey.

Rediscovering Quality

This traditional preparation method may offer more than just superior taste. The preserved cacao butter helps your body better absorb the beneficial compounds naturally present in cacao, including antioxidants and minerals. When cacao is minimally processed, it retains more of its natural theobromine content – a compound known to promote alertness without the jitters often associated with caffeine.

In a world driven by convenience, this return to quality over speed might seem like a bold move. But it reflects a broader trend toward mindful consumption—where people are increasingly choosing quality over convenience in their daily lives, from meal kit selections to what they eat and drink.

Making Hot Chocolate
Making Hot Chocolate
Making Hot Chocolate

The results speak for themselves. The preserved cacao butter creates a silky, velvety texture that carries flavour in a way powdered mixes simply can’t replicate. With every sip, you’ll notice a rich chocolate base complemented by subtle notes of fruit, nuts, or even floral undertones—all naturally present in fine cacao beans.

This isn’t just about making hot chocolate anymore; it’s about creating an experience. More and more culinary enthusiasts are embracing this philosophy, drawn to the art of crafting something truly extraordinary. It mirrors the rise of craft coffee and artisanal bread, where the focus is on quality, craftsmanship, and the story behind the product.

A New Tradition

Remember that spice we mentioned earlier? Sometimes the best way to add variety to life is to take something familiar and elevate it. This new wave of hot chocolate makers isn’t just selling a drink—they’re reviving an ancient tradition for modern palates.

The movement mirrors what happened with coffee over the past two decades. Just as coffee lovers moved from instant coffee to appreciating single-origin beans and artisanal brewing methods, hot chocolate enthusiasts are discovering the depth of flavour that traditional processing methods can unlock. 

Check out all the other posts in the lifestyle category!

The Magic in the Cup

What happens when you take this approach to hot chocolate? First, you notice the appearance—darker, richer, with a natural gloss that speaks to its quality. Then, the aroma captivates you, offering notes of chocolate so intense they seem to envelop your senses.

But the real magic happens when you take that first sip. Unlike conventional hot chocolate, which often overwhelms with sweetness, this style reveals its character gradually. The initial burst of chocolate is bold and satisfying, followed by a cascade of nuanced flavours. 

This isn’t just hot chocolate; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, flavour, and mindful indulgence. Each cup tells a story, from the sunlit cacao farms of South America to the careful hands of artisans who honour the ancient traditions of chocolate-making.

5 amazing benefits of social media on mental health

I want to say thank you to Chloe from Nyxie’s Nook for this amazing guest post. I personally found social media to be the most amazing, supportive community following my mental breakdown and I definitely needed it. This post outlines the reasons it can be helpful for mental wellbeing.

Let’s dive in

Social media has long since been branded as hazardous to our mental and physical health. For those within a certain age bracket, it’s seen as something akin to the fall of socialisation. We constantly hear about children as young as six becoming addicted to social media, or adults missing the world around them because their nose is stuck in their phones. 

But what about the positive side of social media? If we look beyond the addiction and online trolls, social media has helped shape the 21st century into a more inclusive place to be.

For a long time, we’ve been under the assumption that asking for help is a weak or attention-seeking behaviour. But with the help of social media, we’re now much further forward in realising that speaking up about our issues is an act of strength.

benefits of social media

5 Positive aspects of social media

Social media can be a great way to raise awareness, bring communities together and help those less fortunate. 

Before the use of the internet and social media, we all seemed so far away. America, Japan, England, Finland; We were all divided by oceans, land and borders. With the use of the internet and, in turn, social media we’re able to raise awareness for issues that would otherwise be limited by location. By using social media we can reach other, like-minded people who can help spread awareness among their own communities and so on. 

We’re better able to keep in touch with our loved ones, arrange online catch-ups and even play virtual games. 

With so much of the world in lockdown at different times and for various levels of COVID-19, many of us have become separated from our families and peers. And with the current state of things here in the UK, our isolation isn’t set to end any time soon. The internet and social media have become a way for us to socialize, catch up and even watch movies together while staying safely apart. 

Netflix has created their Netflix party to help socially distanced subscribers to watch television shows and movies together. Zoom has become the number one go-to video chatting application for social catch-ups to business meetings. Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also deserve honourable mention for helping us keep in touch and meet like-minded people who are better able to help and support us. Some of the most trusting and inspirational people I know were found via social media! 

Finally, although not specifically on social media, as an avid gamer I find the use of online resources helpful in finding gaming partners. There are various places online to connect and even chat with gamers worldwide. I’ve met so many people through my love for Animal Crossing and The Sims. I’m in various community groups online where I can chat about the games, get information, tips and advice, and even swap friend codes. 

benefits of social media

Of course, this is all done from a safe distance and, as an adult, I’m aware of the danger of meeting others online. If you have a teenager or even a child who frequently games with others online, it’s suggested that you keep an eye on their activity. Have a chat with them about online safety and take an interest in what they’re doing without being overly critical. 

Social media can be a welcome distraction from the outside world or a devastating realisation of the world around us

Social media has acted as a means for me to distract myself from the goings-on around me, but it’s also been there to remind me of the harsh realities of the world around us. Without it, I doubt I would be kept as informed as I am. I avoid the news at all costs and have long since stopped trusting state-funded news reports. So various online sources, social media included, have been my direct link to COVID-19 news,  election updates and even any new information being spread in regards to mental health services in my local area. 

In regards to acting as a distraction, by frequently visiting social media and getting to know others online, I’ve been able to build a small support network. This support network is usually biased and helps distract me just by chatting about things other than what’s on my mind. 

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Social media has helped to normalise help-seeking behaviour

For a long time, we’ve been under the assumption that asking for help is a weak or attention-seeking behaviour. But with the help of social media, we’re now much further forward in realising that speaking up about our issues is an act of strength. Many adults and young people are coming forward to encourage others to ask for help for things such as mental illness, grief, sexual assault etc. No longer are these things taboo, rather, we’re unified in our need to speak up! 

Social media can offer a creative outlet

Much like writing a blog or sketching in a notebook, creating social media posts can act as a creative outlet but on a much smaller scale. The likes of Instagram are especially good for displaying things such as photography and artwork, while Tik Tok is for the videographer in all of us. Others can view your work, like, share and even become inspired. But, of course, it’s not always about the number of likes and engagement you get. So long as you’re careful about how you manage your life on social media, it can be a wonderful place to find and hone your creative voice. 

What are your thoughts on social media and its impacts? Do you feel that it’s a positive, negative or a bit of both? How do you use social media and how do you protect your mental health when using it? 

Final thoughts from me

I agree with all these benefits and I hope you enjoyed reading the post. All the details you need to connect with Chloe are below. Please go check out her blog, show some love, comment on posts and do what we do best in the blogging community, interact and show support.

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benefits of social media

Christmas gift guide my trusted No7 essentials

#AFF

Struggling with what to buy a partner or a loved one? Look no further, I got you covered! Here are my trusted No 7 essentials.

In time for Christmas pressie purchases, I wanted to share with you some of the affordable No7 products I’ve been using for years. Products I wouldn’t leave the house without.

I love No7 products not only because they are affordable, but the Boots points system also allows you to take advantage of offers and eventually spend your points on future purchases.

Quick note: Mummy Conquering Anxiety is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for you.

Product images courtesy of Boots.com

my trusted No 7 essentials

Why does looking after ourselves make us feel better

I don’t wear much make-up, but I do make a little more effort when I go out. It makes me feel special and glamourous. Especially when my normal life is spent tidying up toddler mess and being lucky to have 30 seconds in the car throwing on some concealer.

It’s no secret that the older we get, the more we need to take care of our skin. Having a good skincare routine is a form of self-care and it’s one I intend to stick to.

However, for me and I am sure lots of other families. It has to be affordable.

No7 Boots Advent Calendar

We can’t talk about my trusted No7 essentials, without, of course talking about the Boots Advent calendar. These are the three bundles currently on offer at the moment.

What an amazing way to countdown to Christmas. By taking care of yourself and having some me-time each day, revealing a new product. Such a treat!

no7 advent calendar
boots beauty calendar
my trusted No 7 essentials

Now its time to reveal my trusted No7 products…

my trusted No 7 essentials

Boots Lift & Luminate Concealer

This is first on the list of my trusted No 7 essentials.

When I visited Boots recently, they didn’t have my usual concealer but I am glad because I came away with this amazing product.

Because of the ingredients, the coverage is great and it blends so well on your face. However, it also feels light, like you’re not wearing makeup. As I have fair skin, with a lot of blemishes, it makes me feel more confident to lightly cover these when I go out.

my trusted No 7 essentials

No7 Match Made Concealer

I’ve used this product for years and I have never been without it in my handbag, on nights out and on holidays.

The product has the perfect balance of moisture and blends well. You can select from a range of shades.

I will be adding this to my Christmas list and stocking up.

concealer

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Primer

I discovered make-up primer a few years ago and honestly, it transformed my life.

When I go out, it takes my make-up from looking not too bad to absolutely flawless and I would recommend it to anyone. I also find it works well with the addition of the concealer. Meaning I get a flawless finish, but my face still feels like I don’t have much make-up on.

my trusted No 7 essentials

No7 The Full 360 Mascara

As I have short lashes and they need some volume, I use this mascara, and it’s amazing.

Applying it plumps my lashes and there are no clumpy bits like I’ve experienced with other products in the past.

Another trusted favourite of mine.

my trusted No 7 essentials

No7 High Shine Lipgloss 8ml

I’ve had the same nude lipgloss for a while now, but I love it. It got me through some work nights out, transforming from day makeup to night makeup. It added a little sparkle when I was having a down day and needed it most. It needed throwing in the bin.

Therefore, I treated myself to a slightly darker nude shade and I love it. I’ve had lipgloss in the past that makes your lips feel dry and you get clumpy bits after a while. Not with No.7. I am so happy I’ve got a new shade to last me through the festive period.

high shine gloss
my trusted No 7 essentials

No7 Lovely Lips Lip Balm

I also treated myself recently to a new lip balm. I previously had the nude colour, but got a slightly darker shade. It goes on like a diluted colour and is very moisturising, but I love the stuff.

lipbalm

Now it’s time to look at my skincare essentials.

No7 Instant Results Nourishing Hydration Mask 100ml

When I am pushed for time and can’t spend long with a face mask on, this product works wonders. The mix of mouse and gel textures leaves your skin feeling fresh.

my trusted No 7 essentials

No7 Essential Moisture Night Cream 50ml

Another trusted product I love using. Basic face cream but it works wonders and leaves your skin feeling refreshed in the morning.

I love a product working for you whilst you sleep.

Essential moisture cream

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum 30ml

I buy this product as a little treat now and again. If my skin is feeling particularly tired, it’s great to have what feels like an overnight boost and wake up feeling a little brighter.

serum

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading why I love these products.

Do you have a favourite No7 product? Something you just can’t live without or an item that makes you feel a little better on a down day?

Let me know in the comments below.

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5 Things That Happened When We Started Gentle Parenting

My blog is all about never judging any other parent. We are not perfect. Research has proven human beings react in a certain way, to conflict. It’s an automatic process and sometimes we can’t help it! However, reacting in anger isn’t helpful in the moment. 

Our small humans need us to be emotional support. They need us to be more emotionally intelligent, so we can set a great example of how to manage our emotions.

However, I know very well, parenting is the hardest job in the world. If you follow me on TikTok you will see that I try to make light of the situation and use humour to get through the difficult days.

Gentle Parenting

Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.

What is gentle parenting?

The goal of gentle parenting is to raise confident, independent and happy children through empathy, respect and understanding, and setting healthy boundaries. This parenting style focuses largely on age-appropriate development.

Cleveland clinic

Instead of focusing on punishment and reward, gentle parenting focuses on improving a child’s self-awareness and understanding of their own behavior.

Cleveland clinic

The benefits of gentle parenting

Gentle parenting, when applied correctly, can:  

  • help children develop confidence, independence, self-esteem, and strong emotion regulation skills
  • reduce power struggles between a parent and child 
  • improve relationships between family members at home
  • improve communication between parent and child

Misconceptions of gentle parenting

Some people misunderstand gentle parenting and believe it is too soft as a parenting technique. It’s important to say that as a family, we enforce boundaries. We make parameters and objectives clear and explain them with clarity, be that the need to work on maths worksheets from DoodleLearning as part of their homework, or gently showing them how to keep their rooms tidy. We do also use some rewards, but never punishment. Recently we’ve started adopting natural consequences instead of punishment.

Gentle parenting does not equal a lack of boundaries – quite the opposite. We explain why there are boundaries and use the lessons we’ve taught her, to enforce why we will not tolerate certain behaviour.

The reality of gentle parenting

Gentle parenting isn’t easy. It takes time to become conscious of your reactions – but seeing the results of an emotionally intelligent child is worth it.

If you’re considering implementing gentle parenting, or elements of it like we do. I wanted to let you know about some of the benefits we have experienced since implementing this parenting method.

Let’s dive into the benefits we’ve experienced

We have a very polite child

Since being a baby, we’ve taught my little one to say please and thank you.

At four years old, she now thanks me for simple tasks like getting her cereal in the morning. It’s a genuine, heartfelt thank you. Simply because she’s been shown the reason why we need to be polite.

Everything we teach her is explained in a way she is able to understand. Rather than telling her what to do, it’s a collaborative conversation. You will always hear us asking her whether she understands. And we talk more if she doesn’t.

It’s important for children to understand the consequences of their behaviour and ultimately, be able to eventually regulate emotions by themselves. I won’t be there on her first day of school, or for her first job interview – you have to think about preparing a child for life’s challenges.

Ask yourself – how do I want my children to act and cope in future life situations that could be stressful?

She talks about her feelings & is in tune with other people’s feelings

Because we talk about our emotions and we are honest about the reasons when we do argue (newsflash – all adults argue at some point & sometimes, it’s inevitably in front of children). She, therefore, understands that even adults face situations where something can anger and upset them. That this is okay. And it’s good to talk about how we are feeling when this happens.

When she is experiencing a certain emotion or challenge, we regularly empathise and explain adults also feel this way. Or relate to something we went through as a child.

She regularly comes to me and explains something is wrong. Granted, at four years old, she says things like “I have a sicky tummy” when she’s nervous about the nursery, or feeling tired. But it’s enough for me to know as a parent, that more conversation is needed.

Recent blog posts

When I was going through my mental breakdown, she was only a baby. But she knew something was wrong and would comfort me.

We now witness this kinder side when she’s in the playground and a baby is upset. She will go over to the parent and child, in a concerned manner, and wait patiently until the baby is okay. It’s really lovely to watch.

Being taught to be kind and caring has helped, but actually being shown that by everyone around her models this behaviour, is a more powerful tool.

She apologises when shes aware of doing something wrong

When a child is in the middle of a meltdown and making no sense, there is no point in having a conversation. It just will not be productive. The same applies to adults. As an adult, you would walk away from a heated conversation. Therefore, it baffles me that some parents believe anger and harsh discipline is appropriate in these situations – surely it’s just unproductive at that moment in time. No progress can be made when a human being is in fight or flight mode.

When a child is in this mode, they need love and reassurance from us. Not anger, or harsh discipline.

Read my previous blog post about gentle parenting: IS GENTLE PARENTING EFFECTIVE? READ OUR STORY

As parents, we allow the meltdown to pass. We openly tell her, we will talk when she’s calmer and let her walk away. Usually to her bedroom. Within 10 minutes she comes back to us to give a heartfelt apology. And we all talk about why the behaviour wasn’t helpful. Then we make a point of moving on, by saying “Nothing more will be said about it“. We never dwell on it. We move on.

She is independent

As part of our gentle parenting journey, we allow as many choices as we safely can for our toddler.

She is a very independent child by nature. And rather than fight a battle on menial topics, it’s easier to allow as many small choices as we can. The ones we use frequently, involve a choice of dilute juice, and breakfast options and we also allow her to choose her own snacks from the fridge.

When we go out for the day, this extends to more varied options. And when we can, she is allowed to run free and actually be a child.

The amazing thing is, that having allowed choices, she now asks me before she makes any of them. In our case, allowing choices means we get cooperation and communication in return.

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading about our experiences with gentle parenting.

Are you a gentle parent? do you have any tips for us? or do you use other parenting techniques?

I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

Gentle Parenting

Resources – if you want to get started on your gentle parenting journey:

Twinkl resources

My TikTok videos on gentle parenting:

@sammummyconqueringanxiet

#duet with @Andrew Shaw | Executive Coach #toddlertantrum Wise words! I will never judge any #parent – we are #notperfect & human beings react in a certain way, to conflict. It’s an automatic process & sometimes we can’t help it! However, this isn’t helpful in the moment. Our small humans NEED us to be an #emotional support ❤️ it takes time to become concious of your reactions – but seeing the results of an #emotionallyintelligent child is worth it! #parents #parenting #mums #mumlife #gentleparenting

♬ toddler tantrums – Andrew Shaw | Health Coach
@sammummyconqueringanxiet

#duet with @Aldiebear amazing #parents for sitting & talking about #feelings This little one clearly has #emotionalintelligence as a result of #greatparenting It’s heartwarming to watch & reminds me we are doing exactly the right thing with #gentleparenting ❤️ #parents #parenting #fyp #viral @Sam | Mummy Conquering Anxiety

♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design
@sammummyconqueringanxiet

#duet with @Trenena Stanley #hindsight is a wonderful thing. & there is no time machine. But thank you so much for this message! #gentleparenting is the choice for us, simply because I am dealing with a #toddler who doesn’t yet have the brain capacity to #regulate her #emotions ❤️ therefore, surely, the only #instinct should be to #guide her through life’s challenges #gently #kindly & #withlove #fyp #viral

♬ original sound – Trenena Stanley
@sammummyconqueringanxiet

#duet with @Rubio Fuerte as a #workingmum I know it’s difficult. & the #mumguilt is real! But #toddlers just want our #love and to be #bondedtogether ❤️ #fyp #viral

♬ Originalton – Rubio Fuerte

Stand-up Paddleboarding in the Lake District – Jo Moseley – MCA review

Welcome to my post about Paddleboarding in the Lake District. My review of Jo Moseley’s second book, with stunning images and helpful information to get started.

I previously reviewed Jo’s last book Stand-up Paddleboarding in Great Britain: Beautiful Places to Paddleboard in England, Scotland & Wales – you can read the full review and buy the book in the post below:

12 BOOKS & COURSES FOR MANAGING ANXIETY

Paddleboarding in the Lake District

Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.

Jo’s background and why it matters

If you’ve read any previous posts on this blog or viewed my social media accounts, you will know I am a huge fan of rising from the ashes after facing adversity. It’s how this blog was born! And I encourage everyone else to change their situation for the better – when they can.

Jo’s backstory is one of adversity, followed by a growing passion for exercise, which became some of the most amazing achievements.

In May 2013, I found myself sobbing in the biscuit aisle of Tesco’s, looking at the chocolate Hob Nobs and wondering how my life had come to this. I was 48, a busy working Mum, flying solo with my boys.
 
Both my parents were undergoing chemotherapy at the time and I was overwhelmed, anxious and desperate for a good night’s sleep. What I didn’t realise was that I was going through the early stages of the perimenopause at the time. 

Jomoseley.com

Quote from Jo Moseley

How I can relate to this

“You’re never too old to do something wild and it’s never too late to make a difference.”

Jomoseley.com

I can relate to this quote. At nearly 40 years old, I finally feel the most confident and free I ever have. But it’s been many years of adversity in the making.

Paddleboarding in the Lake District

My review of the book – Stand-up Paddleboarding in the Lake District – Jo Moseley

I pride myself on being organised, and what I love about Jo’s book is the detail. You will find coordinates on specific places you can set off on your paddleboard. When reading, you can be safe knowing Jo has already done it and therefore, you are safe.

You can easily use the book as a guide. Like a map. If you’re visiting a specific part of the Lake District and you are taking your paddleboard along, you can be sure there will be instructions on how you set off on your paddleboard and experience the freeing feeling of nature.

PLEASE SEE A SUMMARY OF MY RECENT BLOG POSTS

How to get started

I love this section of the book because it is filled with honesty about how to get started. When we start a new hobby, we often default to buying things, but Jo suggests starting with paddleboarding lessons to see how you like the activity.

From a confidence perspective, I love that this section exists. Often when you start a new physical activity, confidence and knowing how to start are the two most important things. The things that would literally stop you from completing the first step. This section of the book reduces the fear and anxiety you can experience when deciding to try something new.

You can check out my other blogs here. And I write about my love of running on the Roaring Pumpkin blog.

Where to park, eat and drink

Aren’t these the most important aspects of any trip? Where to get your snacks – much-needed fuel for any exercise and parking or where to stay in a hotel, is the most vital information. And it’s the first thing I look at when planning my trip. It’s great that Jo includes these all important details in the book.

The photos

For anyone who has visited The Lakes before, you will know the images are simply stunning. And the photos included in Jo’s book are a joy to look at.

In the images, she looks so happy and free and these images inspire anyone wanting to try paddleboarding.

Paddleboarding in the Lake District

You can read a great interview with Jo here.

Buy the books – Bookshop.org

  

Buy the books – Waterstones

Other pages to check out on my blog & information you need to know about

My Vinted article for Thrift Plan Enjoy blog is featured in The Sun newspaper

TikTok video here.

I am accepting guest posts on my blog. All the details you need are here.

A summary of the guest posts I wrote for other people

Why I Hid My Anxiety From Everyone For Years

5 autumnal themed accessories I will be purchasing this year and why they add value to my home

Why There Is No Time Limit For Recovery From Mental Illness

Together In Mamahood interview: Sam, Mummy Conquering Anxiety

The Reality of Severe Anxiety – Guest Post by Sam

Head over and check them out. It’s great to have my writing on other people’s sites. Follow me on Twitter for updates on my guest posts.

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A summary of my recent writing on other platforms

In recent months I’ve also expanded where I publish my writing. Some of what I want to say doesn’t fit with the topics on this blog and it’s refreshing to publish on another platform.

Why it’s important to look after your mental health, especially when outside factors are so out of control

Summary

Paddleboarding in the Lake District

5 Topics To Get You Started In Talking About Your Mental Health

Why tell your story

I started this blog in August 2021, because I felt compelled to share my story with other people. Going through challenging circumstances, naturally makes you assess how resilient you really are. I was in a dark place at the time, social media and talking about my experiences really helped me. And I knew it would help other people.

Talking about your experiences could make someone feel less alone. I am now accepting mental health guest posts. I would love to help other people get their message out there – to the people who need it most.

Let’s explore – Topics To Get You Started In Talking About Your Mental Health

Topics To Get You Started In Talking About Your Mental Health

Everyone has a unique experience

I hope other people never experience the darkness of anxiety or depression. However, the reality is, that we may all experience challenging circumstances in life. There will be times when our stress bucket fills up and there needs to be an outlet. A healthy amount of anxiety is a natural defence mechanism. And in small amounts, it can keep us safe. But it’s when the balance tips that the problems begin.

Talking helps

It is no secret that talking to other people can help with our mental health. There has been amazing research on the power of community groups and connecting with our peers.

One main lesson I’ve taken from starting my blogs is that we can speak out – to help other people. But we may never know about the great impact this has. We don’t need to know. The purpose of kindness and empathy is to give it out. Not to measure the effect you had on someone’s life. Just know – that by talking honestly about your own story, you may positively impact someone else. You could even quietly save a life.

Sam – Mummy Conquering Anxiety Blog

Let’s dive into the topics you could talk about, to start a conversation which may help other people

The symptoms of your mental illness

Everyone is different. And like all other ailments, both physical and mental problems impact individuals differently. Talking about the symptoms you face, could help you relate to other people out there. Whi might also be experiencing the same thing as you.

Well-being tools to maintain your mental health

I talk a lot about well-being on my blog.

Since my mental breakdown, there are certain measures I have in place to stay well. I am now better at identifying anxiety triggers. And what to do when I start to feel low again.

Every person is different and no mental health diagnosis will impact people in the same way. Writing about what you personally do to stay well, despite your struggles, could help inspire someone else to adopt well-being tools.

Your mental health goals & aspirations

Because my mental breakdown was triggered by pregnancy, work stress and becoming a new mother, all of these factors are something I personally worry about. Overcoming this adversity and worry has proved to be a massive hurdle for me. But worth the work.

Often great life goals can be borne from the toughest of life circumstances. Writing about how you formulated these goals can be liberating. And it will definitely help other people.

Your daily & weekly self-care routine

We should ALL have a self-care routine. Despite what society tells us, it’s important. We look after ourselves physically but often neglect the mental health we should preserve and nurture.

Sharing what you do daily or weekly, to look after your mind can inspire other people to look after theirs. Or adopt some of your routines, which could prove to be life-changing for them.

An example from my own life was persevering with a Hypnotherapy course. Agreeing to start it was completely out of my comfort zone and some days, I was simply too busy to set aside time for the Zoom calls. But it was worth it. And I am now well versed in meditation, so much so that a quick 5-minute meditation recording really helps.

Life changes you’ve made to help your mental health

It’s a fact of life that we sometimes need to make significant changes in order to help our health. In the same way that you would eat less sugar if you were diabetic. Or you would pursue a course of physiotherapy after a severe physical injury. Sometimes we have to make changes to our lives to protect our mental health.

Sharing some of the life changes you might have made, with other people, may help them to start putting changes in place. Or start to think about the possibility of doing so. There is power in this.

Final Thoughts

One main lesson I’ve taken from starting my blogs is that we can speak out – to help other people. But we may never know about the great impact this has. We don’t need to know. The purpose of kindness and empathy is to give it out. Not to measure the effect you had on someone’s life. Just know – that by talking honestly about your own story, you may positively impact someone else. You could even quietly save a life.

Topics To Get You Started In Talking About Your Mental Health

Tips On How To Live Your Best – Most Positive Life

GUEST POST – Author Bio Tips on living Live Your Best – Most Positive Life

Hello from me, my blog is GAWD, Generalised Anxiety and Worry Diaries.

On the surface, I’m your average forty-something mum, with two kids, a husband, and a dog. Giving off the impression that life is effortless. But scratch that surface and you’ll find that I’m harbouring a secret power, I am in fact –  Super Anxious Brummie Mummy! It’s a title I take very seriously. I can spend hours agonising over the stupidest of things. I meal-plan weeks in advance, make endless lists, set thousands of reminders, and have online shops booked in for over a month. Super anxious mum has all bases covered, she’s got fingers in every anxiety-inducing pie.

GAWD is a place where I serve you up some regular ramblings from me and my bonkers, anxious brain. Some of it is not that easy to stomach, gawd no. Some bites could give the Norovirus a run for its money. Some of you will relate, some of you will laugh out loud, and I’m guessing that some of you will run for the hills. But that’s what it’s all about. Having those difficult conversations, in the hope that those affected, will reach out. I’m a mental health mentor and young person’s mental health advocate. I’m a MSc psychology grad, so I’ll throw in a teeny bit of science into the pot, to help us make sense of things.

Tips on living Live Your Best - Most Positive Life

Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.

Guest post for Mummy Conquering Anxiety © gawd.blog – Tips on living Live Your Best – Most Positive Life

Living our best positive lives?

It’s getting dark by 4.30 pm, the mornings are gothic and misty. The long, hot, sunny days are fading into a distant memory. With winter firmly on the horizon, you’d be forgiven for losing that positive outlook on life. Winter blues are a real thing.  Especially for anxious souls like me. Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please will someone put a nice big dose of positivity in my bobble hat? Isn’t that how the old rhyme goes?  Well fear not, I have devised a clever strategy to help us all, even the seasonally affected folk, to start feeling that festive cheer and pack away that negative bleurgh. 

Festive? Cheers…

At the time of writing this, I was dusting off the Halloween decorations, getting the sparklers out for bonfire night, and starting to think about the big ‘X’ (festive celebration, starts with X and ends with ‘mas). I don’t know about you, but it kind of feels like the moment that the children go back to school, after the summer holidays, life ramps up ten gears. 

If only it was a slow burn into Autumn, revving up to Christmas. But oh no, it’s stress-o’clock from the get-go.  It’s so busy, it’s like our fixed calendar celebrations and holidays are setting us up for a fail. Then January hits and it’s all quiet on the western front, with only the most depressing day of the year to look forward to. 

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-self-care tips, affirmations, positive quotes, how to thrive in life (I need to remind myself of these daily tips too)

Tips on living Live Your Best – Most Positive Life – CONTINUED

Plus there’s life’s daily demands and those curve snowballs, for instance; navigating the freezing school run, endless amounts of laundry, wardrobe changeover, what to cook for dinner, and salads are officially out. (Not that my kids thought they were in.) 

FROM THE MCA BLOG – Recent posts on the blog

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My LATEST gift guide – including fall home decor to bring in the season in style! & a few Christmas gifts

It doesn’t help that I gave birth to my children in the Autumn months. I mean, I should have really mapped out the old gestation calendar a bit better. I always say I’m not going mad, we’ll keep the kids’ parties simple. Cut to – headless chicken-style party planning with the end result resembling a Hollywood-esque style, grand affair. Sixteen party favours per bag, bubble teas being produced at a rate of knots, icing cupcakes until two in the morning. I do jest, I love making the kids happy. But I feel like anxiety adds pressure to my plate that’s kind of unhelpful. An inner push-me-pull-me scenario. Is this good enough? Am I good enough? Push, push, push and break.

Bee positive

So short of moving Halloween to January, or home-schooling the kids, (not gonna happen). I feel the need to post some guidelines on how to not lose your mind get through the busiest of seasons and most importantly stay on a positive tip. But what do I mean? You can say “bee positive” and all of those other lovely little phrases, but it’s hard when you’re faced with life’s trials to actually grasp what it means to be and more importantly, stay positive. Sometimes it feels so much easier to focus on the bad things in our lives, you know. Especially those who suffer from anxiety,  spiralling in and out of negative thoughts. And the culprit? I present to you, cortisol. This little firecracker is a chemical in the brain which increases when we’re on a negative tip. It’s the body’s reaction to stress or a threat. 

Walking risk assessments

Negative thoughts are essentially threats to our system. Being prone to negativity is not a new thing for humans. Many moons ago, being on guard and looking out for risks, with high levels of cortisol running through our veins, was essential for survival in an unsafe world. Now we live in a safe(ish) world. Unfortunately, it just so happens that anxiety disorders can make us feel like those poor old cavemen and women. Like we are in imminent danger, every second of every day. 

Anxiety and negativity do have their positives, even in these modern times. Anxious, negative thinkers often catastrophize thoughts and think of the worst-case scenarios, thus avoiding potential drama. We’re able to spot where helpful changes could be made in our lives, so we make great leaders. Negativity could save a life, anxious people make great risk assessors. We’re also fab realists to have around. So make sure you keep us on your Christmas card list.

Life changer

There are times though, that negativity needs to take a back seat. To make way for positivity and raise those levels of dopamine and serotonin – the happy chemicals. It’s not just about being happy-go-lucky little cheeky chappies, it’s so much more than that. Those with optimistic outlooks are said to live healthier, more fruitful, and enjoyable lives. I think one study said that optimistic women live on average 4.4 years longer! 4.4 years folks! There is an indirect relationship between optimism and adopting a healthier lifestyle, thus extending time on this sweet planet. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. “Time is our most precious commodity.”

Happy little pictures 

So how do we go about living our best positive lives? I decided that rather than grand red letter day-type positivity excursions. (They were all out of hot air balloon rides in Surrey.) I’d go about identifying the small everyday wins.  I set about conducting a small-scale experiment. To post daily pics on my Instagram. account – Super Anxious Brummie Mummy! What better way to document the small wins than by the power of photography? There’s nothing like an uplifting or funny picture to lift the spirits. Plus those little hits of joy were exactly the bursts of dopamine and serotonin my body needed to counter the negativity.

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Now I’m going to lie, it wasn’t easy. Some days I was racking my brain thinking, “What on Earth is a winner from today’s s**t show?” And worse than that, anxiety and cortisol were fighting against my small wins and trying to cloud them with negativity. Brain, why do you test me so?!? On other days, small wins smacked me right in the kisser. They took on exciting new forms, like, finding joy at the loo seat being clean and put down, or watching my dog, a most excellent, furry bullet squirrel chaser. I did some real soul-searching. This process, for me, has really proved that, where there is darkness, there’s also light. Yep, it was also National Poetry Week, I had a go at poetry. I liked it = small win. 

FROM THE MCA BLOG – Books to help you on your positivity journey:

By confronting negativity head-on and finding the positive within a negative, I was adopting the ‘negative bounce’ method. Real bonafide psychologists have coined this fun term, (Tugade, 2004). Also, it turns out that I am not only countering negativity and becoming more positive. I’m building resilience to future negative events. Because guys, headliners –  ‘life is full of these ups and downs.’ 

Tips on Living Live Your Best – Most Positive Life. Other top small wins and negative bounces: 

Bee rescue, I saved a bee from a spiderweb. This is even after my unfortunate encounter in the summer, where one travelled up my trouser leg and stung me twice! Overcoming fears and wildlife rescue. I mean, it’s all there, right?

In future, when someone is asking me to “Bee positive ” I’ve a good mind to tell them to “buzz off!” I’m doing just fine without a winged stinger of a phrase to keep my chin up. I am, of course, joking, who doesn’t love a little positivity meme? I’m just trying to drum home that positivity is in the eye of the beholder. But do remember negativity has its place, it’s how we manage stressful situations and protect ourselves. It’s learning how best to bat those thoughts away when they become unhelpful, that’s the key

gawd blog founder

Not lost my stuff because a coffee pot lid had been left off, so when I went to use it it fell open and sprayed coffee everywhere. I laughed. That is a small win right there. (Big win for others in my house you might argue.)

FROM THE MCA BLOG – Want more money-saving tips – you can check out my money-saving hacks page:

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Celebration that I can keep a plant alive, not just any old plant. My child’s bonsai tree is notoriously difficult to care for. Small win. I would move that to big wins, but let’s see if it’s still alive in a few months.

Capturing a very large spider in a glass and setting it free. I’m petrified of the hairy beasts. But the kids were fascinated and we had fun looking at its gorgeous fangs… We named him Derek Gordon. (8-year-old son’s choice.)

And do you know looking back and seeing all of those small wins documented, is an affirmation that I am ok. I’m happy with my lot. In future, when someone is asking me to “Bee positive ” I’ve a good mind to tell them to “buzz off!” I’m doing just fine without a winged stinger of a phrase to keep my chin up. I am, of course, joking, who doesn’t love a little positivity meme? I’m just trying to drum home that positivity is in the eye of the beholder. But do remember negativity has its place, it’s how we manage stressful situations and protect ourselves. It’s learning how best to bat those thoughts away when they become unhelpful, that’s the key. Right, back to Instagram. 

TTFN.

A final word from MCA founder, Sam:

I hope you enjoyed reading this fab guest post – Tips on living Live Your Best – Most Positive Life

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below…

Tips on living Live Your Best - Most Positive Life

Understanding Play Therapy: Benefits and Techniques

PLEASE NOTE – this is a collaborative post

Welcome to my guest post on Understanding Play Therapy: Benefits and Techniques. Read on for more details about the author.

Play Therapy: Benefits and Techniques


Introduction


Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy primarily used to help children express their emotions, improve their communication skills, and resolve psychosocial issues through play. Renowned experts such as Garry Landreth and Charles E. Schaefer have significantly contributed to the development and understanding of this therapeutic approach. This article explores what play therapy is, its benefits, and the techniques used in practice.


What is Play Therapy?


Play therapy leverages the natural way children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world: through play. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which may be challenging for young children, play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for children to express their thoughts and feelings. According to the Australian Psychological Society, play therapy is an effective method to help children cope with emotional stress, trauma, and behavioural issues.


Why is Play Therapy Beneficial?


1. Expression of Emotions: Play therapy provides a safe environment for children to express their emotions. Children often lack the verbal skills to articulate their feelings. Through play, they can demonstrate what they might not be able to say with words.


2. Behavioural Insights: Therapists can gain insights into a child’s behaviour and emotions by observing their play patterns. This helps in identifying underlying issues that might be affecting the child’s behaviour.


3. Problem-Solving Skills: Play therapy helps children develop problem-solving skills and learn how to deal with various situations in a healthy way.

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4. Enhanced Communication: It fosters better communication between the child and the therapist, and often with family members, improving overall relationships.


5. Emotional Healing: For children who have experienced trauma, play therapy can be particularly effective in providing emotional healing. It allows them to process and make sense of their experiences in a non-threatening manner.


Techniques in Play Therapy


Various techniques are used in play therapy, each tailored to meet the needs of the child. Notable researchers like Garry Landreth and Charles E. Schaefer have identified several key techniques that have proven effective:


1. Non-Directive Play Therapy: Also known as child-centred play therapy, this technique involves allowing the child to lead the play session. The therapist provides a safe and nurturing environment and observes the child’s play to understand their needs and feelings. Garry Landreth, a pioneer in this approach, emphasizes the importance of allowing the child to take the lead, fostering a sense of control and empowerment.


2. Directive Play Therapy: In this approach, the therapist takes a more active role in guiding the play. This can include setting specific goals for the sessions and introducing certain activities or toys that are designed to address particular issues. Techniques might involve role-playing, storytelling, or using structured games.


3. Sand Tray Therapy: This involves the use of a sandbox and miniature figures. Children create scenes in the sand, which can help them express and explore their feelings and experiences in a symbolic way. This technique can be particularly useful for children who have difficulty verbalizing their emotions.


4. Art Therapy: Using art materials such as paints, crayons, and clay, children create artworks that can reveal their inner thoughts and emotions. This technique is beneficial for children who may find it easier to express themselves visually rather than verbally.


5. Puppet Play: Puppets can serve as tools for children to project their feelings and experiences onto another entity. This can help them distance themselves from difficult emotions and discuss them more freely.


6. Therapeutic Storytelling: Creating and sharing stories can help children process their experiences and understand their feelings. The therapist might tell a story that mirrors the child’s own experiences or encourage the child to create their own story.


Conclusion


Play therapy is a powerful tool in helping children navigate their emotional and psychological landscapes. Through the pioneering work of experts like Garry Landreth and Charles E. Schaefer, play therapy has evolved into a respected and effective therapeutic approach. By providing a safe and supportive environment for children to express themselves through play, therapists can help children develop the skills they need to thrive emotionally and socially. Whether through non-directive play, sand tray therapy, or art and puppet play, the techniques of play therapy offer invaluable support for children’s mental health and well-being.

Author bio

The Three Seas Psychology is Melbourne’s hub for people seeking comprehensive mental health support from skilled & caring psychologists in Melbourne. Our Psychologist’s Approach to Therapy is all about collaboration with other mental health professionals, especially GPs. A client-centred approach which is humanistic in nature. We focus on ethical, caring, high-quality care.