Supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing

As parents, we can measure many aspects of our children’s health, but a child’s emotional wellbeing – their ability to manage their feelings, cope with the challenges that life might present, and adapt to change – is much harder to quantify.

Emotional wellbeing is essential in a world where young people might face pressures at school, in peer groups, or through social media.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) found that globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental health condition.[1]

Our formative childhood years are a crucial time when we develop habits and attitudes towards mental health and wellbeing that can carry all the way into adulthood.

Here are a few ideas for how you can create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their emotions from a young age.

1. Be open

Transparent communication is an important tool in a child’s development - be honest and open, in an age appropriate way, and explain your decisions and requests to them. This should, in turn, encourage them to open up to you.

2. Show affection

Showing affection helps to ensure our children feel safe, and it can boost their self-esteem.

3. Connect

Set aside regular time where your child is able to connect and receive your undivided attention. Play together or go for a walk, read bedtime stories. Use this time to ask open-ended questions about their day and explore how they are feeling.

4. Get creative

Creative activities can reduce stress and improve mental health. Being creative can also help us to express our emotions in a positive and productive way, especially when those feelings are difficult to put into words.

5. Practice mindfulness together

Mindfulness - a practice that involves focusing your attention on the present moment - can benefit the whole family. Slowing down, and focussing on regulated breathing can help to keeps awareness focused in the moment, reducing anxiety and helping with sleep.

6. Physical activity

When we exercise, our brain releases chemicals that reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases the production of ‘feel-good’ hormones, such as endorphins. Find physical activities that your child finds fun and fulfilling, whether together as a family, or on their own.

Worldwide protection for you and your family

Families are now turning to personalised services such as Private Client by Bupa to seek support on their wellness needs. With the Ultimate Global Health Plan, you’ll receive the same level of award-winning cover for your children, so you can all rest easy. Your policy even includes cover for 2 children up to age 16 at no additional cost, subject to underwriting.

The Ultimate Global Health Plan also comes with a uniquely valuable benefit – a Lifecare Concierge Manager – a dedicated person at the end of a phone or email who makes it their mission to help you look after you and your family's health and wellbeing.

Private Client by Bupa offers premium private health insurance that goes beyond health cover. The Ultimate Global Health Plan provides a complete concierge service and award-winning medical cover at home or abroad provided by Bupa Global, with rich, proactive, preventive wellbeing benefits that are designed to be used.

For more information on Private Client by Bupa, visit bupaprivateclient.com or call 0371 346 0407.

Sources:

[1] Mental health of adolescents (who.int) - 2019

Private Client by Bupa is a concierge service providing personalised health and wellbeing services for the Ultimate Global Health Plan insured by Bupa Global.

Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.