Do you have any ideas on how I can help my child stay mentally healthy?
RNIB's CYPF team have created some great resources for parents, guardians or carers around emotional support including a series of podcasts (please see below for the range of topics covered) and how to relieve stress and anxiety through play.
Podcasts Series 1
Podcast 1: Resilience, confidence, and self-esteem
Podcast 2: Talking to your child about their eye condition
Podcast 3: Talking to others about your child’s eye condition
Podcast 4: Isolation and anxiety
Podcast 5: Managing behaviour
Podcast 6: Coping with a new diagnosis
Podcasts Series 2
Podcast 7: Early years development
Podcast 8: Sleep
Podcast 9: Bullying
Podcast 10: Confidence, resilience and transitions
Podcast 11: Social development and making friends
Stress relief
Play is a great way to relieve stress. Activities like playing with sand, water or playdough can have a grounding effect, helping children to relax. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of some types of sensory play can also be comforting, helping children feel secure. RNIB's Children, Young People and Family team have come up with some sweet-smelling “slimes” to make and play with to create this relaxing and calming effect.
You can find the recipes along with other ways to reduce anxiety and stress such as getting outside for a scavenger hunt or curling up with an audio book on RNIB's World Mental Health Day webpage.
