Wellbeing of all, is at the heart of Catholic Education. Enabling a learning environment which provides for the spiritual, physical, emotional, cognitive and social wellbeing of its participants. It is especially important to ensure that children and young people’s wellbeing is looked after in times of uncertainty and stress. Supporting wellbeing not only helps children and young people to feel happier and less anxious, it will also help them to have positive interactions with the rest of the family and to learn more effectively.

Some parents or carers may choose to do wellbeing activities with their child or even with the whole family. Activities that support wellbeing are beneficial for people of all ages and can provide a great opportunity for family members to bond and experience positive emotions together. One activity is practising gratitude. It may be something you have done before but it may be something that has dropped off in the business of life.  You may like to give this a go with your family.

Gratitude

It is always important, especially in difficult times, to appreciate the things that we may take for granted – like having a place to live, food, clean water, friends, family, even access to technology. Gratitude is pausing to notice and appreciate these things. It’s taking a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are when something good happens — whether it’s a small thing or a big thing. Did you know that practising gratitude for 21 days in a row can re–train the brain to look for positives in the world instead of negatives? By simply being grateful, children and young people can experience a greater sense of optimism, happiness and calm.

Gratitude Questions to use with your children:

1. What was the best thing that happened to me today?
2. Who am I most grateful for today and why?
3. What am I looking forward to most about tomorrow?