How to talk to young children about mental health?

[Ilikeyoursleeves]

Hi I'm looking for some advice please. I've posted this in a few pages as I'm not sure where's best to post! I'm a clinical psychologist and I've been asked by my daughters teacher to speak to the class for their 'people who help us' topic. I've to speak to a primary 1 class of 4 and 5 year olds about what a psychologist is / does for about twenty minutes! Not too sure what to talk about or how to pitch it so I would appreciate any suggestions. I am going to describe it as having a 'happy / healthy head' rather than 'mental health' as that may be easier to understand at their age plus reduce the stigma that is unfortunately often attached to mental health issues. I'm thinking about talking about basic emotions and what to do if you feel sad, worried etc. I want to keep it fairly light and interactive, just wondering if anyone has any thoughts about what would / wouldn't be helpful? Many thanks x

Hi,

I'm a primary school teacher and we have had similar things at our school. It is a good idea and would do things about feelings and talk to them about how you are a doctor who helps people with their feelings and help them if they are upset or worried about things etc

Good idea about being interactive, there are some good resources available on various teacher websites which you can print off with feelings pictures and such on to help you and use as a talking point. Also ask the school, we have some feelings puppets which show sad, excited, anxious, curious, worried, happy etc which are really good to use and they may have some resources too.

Hope it all goes well.