This month we are focusing on the importance of reading, navigating Avoidance at Home Understanding and Supporting Your Child and the important of fostering positive body imagine for children after recently acknowledging Eating Disorder week.
We’re now in March, having experienced a notably mild spring and lighter mornings have been setting in. But on Sunday, 31 Mar 2024 it changes again as it will be daylight saving time, and the day-light lasts longer again in the evenings. Even sooner than this is the first day of spring on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 with Easter and another School term break fast approaching.
The Benefits of Reading for Your Child & You...
Reading has the remarkable ability to transport us to different worlds, spark our imagination, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Whether it's a bedtime story or a captivating novel, the benefits of reading extend far beyond the pages of a book. In this blog, we'll explore the numerous advantages of reading to your child and for yourself. From cognitive development to emotional bonding, let's delve into the transformative power of reading and discover creative ways to make it a cherished part of your daily routine.
Read the full blog Here
Book of the Month
No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind: By Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
Drawing from the latest neuroscience research, the authors offer practical insights and techniques to help parents and carers navigate challenging moments with their children, encouraging connection and understanding rather than punitive discipline. Through a holistic approach that integrates brain science with compassionate communication, this book empowers readers to cultivate positive relationships and promote resilience in their children.
PUPDATE!
Awwwww! Look at that face!
Womble has been enjoying being at the centre more, chilling in the office, keeping reception in check, and seeing more patients gradually. Which is why he is Employee of the Month again! He’s just such a good boy.
But did you know Womble also likes Cats!
Womble is a fellow supporter of Pebbles the UOE Campus Cat!
He’s just a loving pooch of all creatures. Womble was very impressed to see his human pet Fiona talking about the benefits of animals when interviewed as part of Essex University’s celebration of 60 years being open!
Fiona is completing a Professional Doctorate with UOE, and although her Doctorate is specifically focusing on the role dogs can play in psychodynamic therapy, she shares some of the many benefits a cat like Pebbles brings to the community at the university.
You can spot Fiona in the recent video released and read the article about the famous Pebbles Here
Top Tip for March
Creative Ways to Incorporate Reading into Daily Routines:
1. Set aside dedicated reading time each day, such as before bedtime or during quiet moments.
2. Create a cozy reading nook or designated reading area in your home, complete with comfortable seating and plenty of books.
3. Make reading a shared activity by taking turns reading aloud or discussing favourite books together.
4. Explore audiobooks for on-the-go listening during car rides or while doing household chores.
5. Incorporate reading into everyday activities, such as cooking with recipe books or exploring nature with field guides.
Something going on locally
If you’re unsure what to do around Easter this year, or what is going on, have a browse on Visit Suffolk's webpage Here. They have have put together a wonderful list of advice for local events and ideas!
Interesting Fact - Nose Picking … Why do they do it!
From a therapists perspective, one interesting explanation for why children pick their noses could relate to unconscious emotional needs or conflicts. In psychodynamic theory, behaviours are often seen as manifestations of underlying psychological dynamics.
For some children, nose-picking may serve as a comforting or soothing behaviour, similar to thumb-sucking or hair-twirling which is more habitual as they grow older, especially during times of stress or anxiety. So actually, it could be a way for them to self-soothe or regulate their emotions when feeling overwhelmed or anxious. In this context, nose-picking may be a coping mechanism used to manage uncomfortable feelings, particular in quiet or distracted moments when their unconscious may be active.
It may also be to elicit caring responses or attentiveness from adults around them. So try not to respond too this harshly when you catch them in the act. And instead, ask them what they’re thinking of.
Only a couple days left!
Get your bookmark entries in before the end of 14.03.2024!
Entry Instructions: Here
Only a couple days left to get your bookmark entries in before the end of 14.03.2024!
Nurturing Positive Body Image
At the start of the month was Eating Disorders Awareness Week. We wrote a small blog update to acknowledge BEATS campaign, and this year it was focused on Shining a Light on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Found Here
We have also updated a new related blog on: Nurturing Positive Body Image :Things To Avoid Doing When Nurturing Positive Body Image
Something to do with the kids
Each month we’d like share an activity idea activities parents and adults can do to promote engagement and healthy attachments with their children. This Month it’s
Outdoor Adventures: Go for nature walks, bike rides, or explore local parks together, encouraging physical activity and bonding in a natural setting. The next time you need to nip to the shop, don’t drive, grab a bike or a scooter, and take the scenic route.
Mental Health News this Month
Revealed: The wellbeing of LGBT*Q+ young people in Suffolk – MHoF insights
TMH are happy to share the latest news from Health watch Suffolk; My Health, Our Future (MHoF). They've been hard at work collecting data on the wellbeing of young people in Suffolk, gathering insights from a staggering 13,000 individuals. Their latest report delves into how specific groups of young people responded to the survey conducted in 2023/24
Read Health Watch Suffolks latest update HERE
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Navigating Avoidance at Home:
Understanding and Supporting Your Child
As a parent or carer, it's not uncommon to encounter moments when your child withdraws into silence, leaving you feeling worried and uncertain about how to help. When a child goes silent and avoids communication, it can be a sign of underlying emotional distress or discomfort.
In this blog, we'll explore why avoidance happens, when it tends to occur, and most importantly, how you can support your child and work together to improve engagement and communication.
Why Does Avoidance Happen? Find out Here
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Teenage Mental Health
At Teenage Mental Health, we hear often about the challenges of navigating waiting lists and thresholds for care by those who knock on our door. Our team comprises highly qualified therapists dedicated to providing exceptional services for individuals wanting better for themselves or their children looking for the best mental health services.
Whether we are your first port of call, or you’re someone who may feel stuck and frustrated in accessing timely support. Operating on a not-for-profit basis, profits are not our motive; your mental health is.
Teenage Mental Health prioritises your well-being. While we do charge for therapy, as sadly, no government body funds us, our sole focus is ensuring that you and your child receive the care you need.
Thankyou for reading!
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