Month: November 2024

Posted on by

Why Do Children Experience Anxiety?

Understanding the root causes and how to support them

Anxiety among children is becoming increasingly common. All children do feel worried occassionally maybe before a test/exam or big event but persistent anxiety can impact their wellbeing and development. 

Relax Kids was first developed in 1999 at a time where child anxiety was not as rife but Marneta (RK founder and former childrenโ€™s entertainer) noticed a decline in childrenโ€™s ability to sit still and listen. 

Once we understand the causes, we can take steps to help children manage their big feelings. 

What causes Anxiety in children?

Academic pressure

The modern education system sadly places high expectations on children. Tests, homework, and performance comparisons can create a fear of failure. Even younger children can internalise stress, worrying about meeting teachers’ or parents’ standards.

Social challenges

Children can fear rejection or struggle with social dynamics and navigating friendships, fitting in, and handling conflicts can be overwhelming.

Family dynamics

Changes within the family can impact children. If parents are going through a painful divorce or separation or one parent has chronic illness or is experiencing finacial stress, children can absorb these anxieties and start to feel insecure and worried.

Media and information overload

We are bombarded with constant news and social media and hearing stories about global events, threat and violence can foster anxiety in children where the information is beyond their emotional capacity to process. 

Perfectionism and self-expectations

Social media can put so much pressure on making children feel they have to be perfect and this can lead to anxiety if they donโ€™t meet certain standards.

Trauma and bullying

Experiences of trauma, abuse, or bullying (physical or emotional) can deeply impact a childโ€™s sense of safety and confidence. Unaddressed, these experiences may manifest as chronic anxiety.

It can be hard to recognise symptoms of anxiety.

Physical symptoms – frequent headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue

Behavioural changes – Avoiding social situations, irritability, or clinginess

Emotional signs – Frequent crying, worrying, withrawling or expressing fears

How you can help children manage their anxiety

1. Create a safe environment

Give children the space so they know they can share their feelings without judgment. Open conversations about emotions help normalise their experiences.

2. Teach relaxation techniques

Simple practices like deep breathing, guided meditation, or body scans can empower children to calm their minds. Relax Kids have created a range of books and over 500 audios and emotional toolkits to help children self-regulate and relax.

3. Encourage physical activity

Exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress. Activities like bouncing on a trampoline or even a short walk can significantly impact a childโ€™s emotional state.

4. Limit exposure to stressful content

Monitor media consumption and encourage breaks from technology. Provide reassurance about troubling news or events in an age-appropriate way. Find a way to encourage them to engage in activities that are not based around tech.

Download the free Relax Kids wellbeing pack to help your children manage their anxiety.

You may also be interested in our Anxiety toolkit.

Posted on by

Are You Investing in Yourself?

The key to thriving in a knowledge-driven, AI world

In todayโ€™s rapidly changing world, self-investment has never been more crucial. As we move into an era dominated by AI and an overload of information, we need to remember that YOU are your greatest asset. When you invest in your personal growth, your skills, and your abilities, the returns are significant and long-lasting.

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by continuously building your skillset. As the world evolves into the digital realm, humans will start to crave more connection and human interaction so ensure that you stay ahead of the curve and train in something that is uniquely human.

Training in personal development skills to help not only your own physical but the mental health of others is important at this time.

Here are some options:

Mindfulness and Stress Management – At a time of constant digital engagement, mindfulness and stress management are so crucial. Developing the ability to stay present and centered, even in high-pressure situations, is a valuable skill. Training in mindfulness and relaxation can help reduce stress, increase focus, and improve emotional regulation. Look into meditation, breathing exercises, or mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques.

Coaching and Mentoring – Becoming a coach or mentor allows you to invest in your own growth while also helping others reach their full potential. Training to become a certified coach will teach you how to support others through lifeโ€™s challenges, guiding them towards self-awareness, personal growth, and fulfillment.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Training Emotional intelligence โ€” the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. As AI takes over more technical tasks, human connection, this has become a highly sought-after skill. Training in EQ includes skills like active listening and conflict resolution.

Therapeutic and Counselling Skills – As more people seek professional help for mental health challenges, there is a higher demand for qualified therapists and counsellors continues. As a mental health professional, you can help others by navigating their mental health journeys and provide a safe space for people to express their worries.

Here are some thereputic modalities you may like to research: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), art therapy, or trauma-informed counseling.

Health and Wellness Coaching – Physical health is linked to mental wellbeing, and has become more popular as more people seek ways to lead healthier lives. Training to become a health and wellness coach will equip you with the tools to help others achieve their health goals, while also promoting a sense of balance and well-being in their lives.

Relax Kids Coaching – As a Relax Kids coach, you will gain a wide variety of skills that you can use to run successful classes to children and families. You will learn the Award-winning 7-step system to helping children and adults relax. This includes movement, play, stretching, massage, breathing exercises, affirmations and visualisations. You will learn how to help children reduce stress by using simple mindfulness and stress management techniques.

As a Relax Kids coach you can coach and champion children to be the best they can be with affirmations and positive thinking.

Make a list of what skills you would love to learn in 2025 and research some courses and training.

Investing in yourself yields a significant paybackโ€”both in terms of financial rewards and personal fulfillment. As you enhance your skills and knowledge, you open doors to new career opportunities.

Investing in yourself also leads to greater self-confidence and a sense of purpose. Remember to focus on skills that are uniquely humanโ€”such as emotional intelligence, communication, leadership, and mental health supportโ€”you not only improve your own life but also contribute positively to the well-being of others.

Click Here if you would like more information about training to be a Relax Kids coach.

Posted on by

Have a safe Bonfire Night!

Activities and advice for your November 5th celebrations

I am sure that you will all be out celebrating so lets make the most out of Bonfire’s Evening!

  1. Dress up for the occasion: it’s getting rather chilly outside, so ensure that you wrap up well. Scarves, gloves and thick coats are essential so that you stay warm away from the Bonfire.

2. Be safe: If you are going to an event, then it should be clearly marked where you can stand, so that you are not near where the fireworks are being set off. The same works for at home. Clearly take note of the instructions set on the fireworks boxes.

3. Don’t forget your Thermos: get some lovely hot chocolate organised for everyone. Dont forget your plastic cups and mugs: they are safer. If you drop them in the dark then they won’t smash everywhere and cause a hazard.

4. Build the Guy: You can all work together as a family to build a Guy to take to your local bonfire evening, using old clothes, newspapers and the like. Whilst there, you may find more items of clothes that you no longer use: why not donate these to charity?

5. Be eco-friendly: Do not burn household waste as it can produce dangerous fumes. Also, did you know; the closer you can build your Bonfire to lighting, the better (as it reduces the risk to animals!)

6. Fireworks Art: If you are staying in, create your own fireworks show! Put sheets of black sugar paper down and flick coloured paints all over them. Then just add glitter! (if you add PVA glue to the paint, it will help the glitter stick even better).

7. Yummy Treats: Why not cut some bananas in half and place chocolate in the middle? Then, wrap in foil and warm in the embers! Make sure that a parent is the one handling the cooking!

8. Bring a Mug and a firework: You could ask all your family and friends to bring a mug. Simply make a bowl of soup and light a fire in the garden. Its a great inexpensive way to have some family fun!

9. When you are in from the evening, you might like to listen to a Relax Kids album or read a Relax Kids meditation

Have a fantastic time!

Posted on by

What are signs my child may have ADHD and how can I support them?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can significantly impact a child’s behaviour, attention span, and ability to focus. 

ADHD is increasingly becoming a common condition and so recognising the signs and seeking appropriate support can make a great difference to your childโ€™s life.

 Here are the common Signs of ADHD in Children…

ADHD typically manifests in three key areas

Inattention:

Difficulty paying attention to details

Easily distracted

Forgetful

Struggles to follow instructions

Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort

Hyperactivity:

Fidgeting and squirming

Difficulty sitting still

Excessive talking

Restlessness

Often on the go

Impulsivity:

Blurts out answers

Difficulty waiting their turn

Acts without thinking

Interrupts others

Getting Help

If you notice these signs in your child, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or child psychologist. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if ADHD is the underlying cause.

We understand that the wait lists for assessment in the UK can be over a year.

Click here for strategies to support your child whilst waiting for a referral/assessment

Posted on by

What can I do to help a child who is on a waiting list for assessment?

The waiting lists for ADHD in the UK can be longer than a year and this is frustrating for parents who need the extra support. 

Here are some strategies that parents and caregivers can implement to help children with ADHD

Create a Structured Environment:

Establish consistent routines and schedules.

Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Minimise distractions during homework and other activities.

Effective Communication:

Use clear and concise instructions.

Provide positive reinforcement for positive behaviours.

Avoid power struggles and negative criticism.

Organisational Tools:

Use visual aids like checklists and calendars.

Teach time management skills.

Encourage the use of organisers and planners.

Behavioural Interventions:

Positive reinforcement: Reward positive behaviours.

Physical Interventions:

Grounding techniques can help bring children into their body (especially barefeet on the grass)

Movement and bouncing on a trampoline can help expell extra energy

Relaxation techniques are vital for helping children self-regulate and know what a relaxed body feels like.

Regular pauses give children the opportunity to give their brains a rest.

(Click here for more from Relax Kids).ย 

Seek Support:

Connect with other parents of children with ADHD.

Join support groups or online communities.

Consider therapy or counseling.

Relax Kids audios have helped thousands of children with ADHD.

Posted on by

What relaxation techniques can I use with my child who has ADHD

Children with ADHD often struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and difficulty focusing. These challenges can make it difficult for them to regulate their emotions and behaviours. 

Here are some simple relaxation techniques, brain breaks and self-reguation ideas to help keep them calm.

Relaxation Techniques:

Deep Breathing

Teach your child to take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the breath entering and leaving their body.

Mindfulness

Try a simple mindfulness exercise such as focusing on a specific object or sound.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Guide your child to tense and release different muscle groups, starting from the toes and working up to the head.

Brain Breaks:

Physical Activity

Encourage short bursts of physical activity, like jumping jacks, dancing, or stretching and end with a moments calm

Sensory Activities

Use sensory tools like fidget toys, stress balls, or textured objects to help them self-soothe.

Creative Outlets

Offer opportunities for creative expression through drawing, painting, or playing a musical instrument. Ensure that it is just for the pleasure rather than having an end goal if this causes more stress.

-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

This simple yet powerful technique helps children focus on the present moment. Here’s how it works:

5 Things You See

Ask your child identify five things they can see around them. This could be anything from a favorite toy to a cloud in the sky.

4 Things You Hear

Ask them to listen carefully and identify four sounds they can hear. This could be the ticking of a clock, the sound of birds chirping, or even the sound of their own breathing.

3 Things You Smell

Encourage your child to take a deep breath and identify three different smells. It could be the scent of a flower, the smell of food cooking, or even the smell of their own hands.

2 Things You Touch

Ask your child touch two different objects and describe how they feel. This could be the softness of a blanket, the smoothness of a table, or the coolness of a drink.

1 Thing You Taste

Ask your child to taste something and describe the flavour. This could be a piece of fruit, a sip of water, or even the taste of their own saliva.

By focusing on their senses, children can calm their racing thoughts and feel more grounded. You can use a worksheet to guide them through this exercise.

Roots Technique

Imagine yourself as a strong, sturdy tree. Your roots grow deep into the ground, anchoring you firmly. 

Feel your roots spreading out, reaching deeper and deeper into the earth. 

This visualisation can help children feel more stable and secure, reducing feelings of anxiety.

Belly Breathing Technique

Inhale: Slowly breathe in through your nose, filling your belly with air.

Hold: Pause for a moment, holding the breath in your belly.

Exhale: Slowly release the air through your mouth, let any negative thoughts or feelings go.

Repeat 

Click Here for more Relax Kids relaxation techniquesย 

Posted on by

๐ŸฆšI’m SO PROUD OF RELAX KIDS!๐Ÿฆš

I have to tell you. 

๐ŸฆšI really am SO proud of Relax Kids.

๐ŸฆšI am so proud of all our coaches.

๐ŸฆšI love hearing feedback and stories of how children’s lives are being transformed.

๐ŸฆšI have never needed to ‘sell’ Relax Kids because it speaks for itself.

๐ŸฆšRelax Kids coaches have won awards for their Relax Kids work.

๐ŸฆšRelax Kids coaches have received funding to support their community work.

๐ŸฆšRelax Kids coaches have been recognised as leaders in their community.

๐ŸฆšRelax Kids coaches have been referred to by doctors, nurses, psychologists and agencies.

๐ŸฆšRelax Kids coaches have made such a difference to children’s wellbeing.

๐ŸฆšI am So proud of what our coaches have achieved….

but…

most of all…

๐ŸฆšI am proud of how they work together as a community.

๐ŸฆšThey support and help and boost each other.

๐ŸฆšI wanted you to know this as I would love you to be part of this if you feel it is right for you.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY HERE and be PROUD too

Have a magical day,

Marneta