With only a few weeks of the school summer holidays left, whilst some children may be looking forward to getting back into the routine of school and seeing friends, for many it can be an anxious time filled with back-to-school worries. Carmarthenshire based online ‘happiness shop’ Spiffy, explore ways parents and carers can support children and young people to have a smoother start to the new term.
Couple Paul and Shaun set up Spiffy 5 years ago. The online shop brings together a range of feel good products for children (and adults) from carefully sourced illustrators and creatives who share their ethos for happy, positive living. As detailed on the shop’s website, Paul and Shaun describe their motivations to help people. They say, “We believe in the power of positive thinking, self-care, valuing yourself, and all-round positive emotional wellbeing”.
Spiffy kids
With the NHS reporting that around 1 in 8 children and young people experience behavioural or emotional problems growing up, supporting children and young people to stay mentally healthy is more important than ever. Particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic with some children struggling with the challenges and changes post-covid (including changes in schools).
The NHS Every Mind Matters campaign suggest some ‘top tips’ to support children and young people’s mental health including:
- Be there to listen
- Support them through difficult times
- Stay involved in their life
- Encourage their interests
- Take what they say seriously
- Build positive routines
As a trained primary school teacher Shaun (one half of Spiffy) has seen first-hand the pressure children can face these days. A big part of the online shop is about offering gifts and goodies specifically designed to help children and young people look after their mental wellbeing. Products include books for children aged 3 to teenagers as well as toys and things like planners, notepads and pin badges to help with things like; ‘stress and anxiety’, ‘confidence and self-esteem’ and ‘understanding feelings and emotions’.
Schools out for summer
As well as being a one-stop-shop for parents, carers and young people to pick up helpful products, Shaun and Paul share a regular blog on the Spiffy website to explore different topics. Recent blogs include; ‘how to help children with back to school anxiety’ and ‘4 ways to build confidence in a child going back to school’.
Young Minds charity also offer lots of information and advice about school anxiety including a series of fun videos (with partner Beano studios) aimed at helping younger children worried about going back to school after the holidays or starting a new school.
More support
As the NHS suggests, ‘…everyone feels low, angry or anxious at times. But when these changes last for a long time or are significantly affecting them, it might be time to get professional help’.
You can find more information about NHS children and young people’s mental health services (CYPMHS) on the NHS website.
Other places to find out more or if you’re worried about a child or young person’s mental health include;
