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Place2Be teaches us how to be kinder

Last week, Team River Island helped to brighten up local schools, by painting murals in collaboration with children’s mental health charity, Place2Be. We’re no strangers to teaming up with the charity, and last year Place2Be supported more than almost 6,000 pupils through one-to-one counselling. It’s only right we caught up with them for #WorldKindnessDay, to hear a few of their tips on how to help your little ones to be kinder to themselves.

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If your child is struggling with some difficult feelings, it can sometimes be helpful to write some of their feelings down in a diary, or on their phone.

Try helping your child to break down any problems into manageable chunks, and approach them one step at a time.

Boosting your child’s self esteem and confidence also encourages them to be kinder and more thoughtful to others. Help your child to recognise, and love, their own qualities and interests - this could be their hair colour, skin colour, religion, hobbies, sports they’re good at... Notice and celebrate what makes them an individual and encourage them to see those positives and be a friend to themselves.

Be a good role model and share your feelings openly with your child. This will show them that it’s okay to talk about how they feel, If your child knows they can talk to you about anything they’re feeling, they’ll be more likely to come to you and ask for help if they’re struggling.

Every feeling is valid and it’s so important we let our children feel all emotions. Try to avoid minimising their feelings. Sometimes your child may not want to talk, and it’s important we don’t force them to have a conversation they don’t want to have. Make yourself available but don’t pressure them to talk.