Mental health in the holidays

For some the thought of school holidays and a chance to recharge the batteries represents fun, relaxation and time spent with friends and family. For others, the break from routine and not spending time with friends at school is not so welcome. 

How can we support our children during the holidays?

1. Encourage social connections – keeping in contact with friends, meeting up with friends and connecting with them online
2. Encourage them to get involved – join a club, take on some volunteering or helping out at home with shopping or cooking
3. Encourage physical activity – this can be taking part in sport, going for a walk, following a workout or dance video on youtube. 
4. Encourage a regular routine – aim to stick to a sleep routine with a regular bedtime and wake up time
5. Encourage healthy eating – the holidays often bring treats, but in also encouraging healthy eating we can support more balanced eating.
6. Encourage fun – this can be playing or going to the park for younger children, or going to the skate park, playing board games, spending time doing something they enjoy with friends.  

If you, your child or someone you know needs some support in the holidays the following helplines and websites are at hand:

For young people aged 12-25 check out: headspace.org.au - 1800 650 890 

For children aged 5 – 25 check out: Kids Helpline, a 24-hour telephone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 – kidshelpline.com.au 1800 55 1800 

Lifeline has a 24-hour telephone counselling service as well as online chat and text services -  lifeline.org.au -  13 11 14 

Parentline is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents/carers of children aged 0-18 - www.parentline.org.au -   1300 1300 52arent Line is a free telephone c

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy break. See you in Term 4!

Thanks for reading - Sam, school counsellor