By Kristen Ferguson | Posted: Friday September 27, 2024
This week, students and teachers engaged in activities that helped them reflect on their own mental health and learn strategies to support their emotional well-being.
As children grow, they are not only building academic skills but also developing their social and emotional understanding. Through various activities, students practiced recognising and managing their emotions. This week, KAIK kids were seen engaging in activities like connecting with others in the school, mindfulness activities, making things for others, getting outside for some extra fresh air and physical activity and learning something new.
At Kaikorai we ALWAYS encourage our tamariki to express their feelings and explore healthy strategies to manage negative emotions. Helping them come up with their own solutions fosters independence and emotional intelligence. Our sensory room, Rūma Rangimarie, is a well used space where students continue to go to reset, recharge and get ready to learn again.
As we approach the school holidays, it's important to recognise that the unstructured time can sometimes be overwhelming for our tamariki. If your child finds this period challenging, there are several ways you can support their mental well-being:
Stay Connected: Encourage them to maintain regular contact with friends and family, whether through playdates, calls, or family activities.
Keep Involved: Whether through hobbies, clubs, or sports, encourage your child to stay active. Give them responsibilities at home, like helping choose meals or assisting with dinner preparation.
Get Moving: Physical activity is a great way to boost mental health. Enjoy the outdoors with a walk in one of Dunedin’s many parks, a bike ride, or even kicking a ball around the backyard.
Establish Routines: Consistency provides comfort. Stick to regular bedtimes and family mealtimes, even during the break.
Make Time for Play: Fun is essential for well-being. Unstructured, device-free playtime with parents is incredibly valuable. Even 15 minutes a day of one-on-one time can strengthen your connection and support your child’s mental health.
Ngā hiahia ai ki te tīmatanga ā ka kite ai tātou i te mutunga ~ you must understand the beginning if you wish to see the end.
For more resources on supporting your child’s mental health, visit the Mental Health Awareness website.