@littlbrowndog
But what are they starry.
You could share when you see mums like me are struggling
Give me and other mums ideas
Oh ok. Wish I could attach what I made but it'd be outing.
We've been working on mindfulness- being present and in the moment. Focusing on what we can control.
Children thrive on routine so make a timetable together. Incorporate one activity of their choice and outdoor time ( before noon if at all possible). The natural light ( even if cloudy, it still works) helps mental health and a healthy body clock. I had some who were struggling with sleep.
Also timetable some 'cool connection' time. This might break up the afternoon or morning.Whatever time you choose, they use this to phone, text, send a picture, postcard, letter- contacting someone like a friend, granny, auntie etc.
The point is that the person on the receiving end is normally so happy to hear from them and is appreciative so it gives the child a little boost in their self worth and reminds them of the people who love them outwith their home.
Also, there are more nerve endings in the gut than any part of the body so what we eat is very important for our mental health. So, I've been sending them recipes they can make with their family- maybe add this to the timetable for about three days a week * I'm upper primary.
Also practising gratitude- I can see eye rolls from teenagers already but tell them all the cool celebrities do it ;) . Start to model it yourself and they'll hopefully eventually join in - three things you're grateful for at the end of each day. You could just do this verbally, after dinner perhaps or add it to the bottom of each day on the timetable It gives a nice opportunity for you to discuss points in the day when perhaps you were all ready to throttle each other or something went wrong but hopefully you can have a laugh about it in the evening and flip it to a positive.
Hopefully this might help a wee bit.