Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week is a chance to think about how we can support children’s emotional wellbeing in everyday ways.
When we talk about children’s mental health, it’s easy to focus on feelings, worries or challenges. But wellbeing is also shaped by children’s experiences of friendships, relationships and how they feel about themselves. Feeling safe, valued and respected plays a big part in helping children feel confident and secure.
Why relationships matter
Relationships play a central role in children’s lives. Friendships, peer interactions and trusted adults all influence how children see themselves and how they cope with challenges.
Positive relationships can help children feel included, supported and confident. Feeling accepted by others supports a sense of belonging - part of emotional wellbeing. On the other hand, experiences like conflict, exclusion or unkindness can affect self-esteem and leave children feeling unsure of themselves.
Trusted adults matter too. When children feel listened to and respected, they’re more likely to feel safe talking about what’s going on for them. Learning about healthy friendships, boundaries and respect helps children build skills they can draw on as they grow and develop.
How Esteem lessons support emotional wellbeing
At acet UK, our Esteem lessons are designed to support children’s emotional wellbeing through learning about healthy relationships, friendships and self-esteem.
The lessons create space for children to:
- talk about feelings and emotions
- think about friendships and peer relationships
- explore boundaries, respect and kindness
- build confidence and self-esteem
By helping children understand how relationships can affect how they feel about themselves, Esteem lessons support emotional wellbeing alongside learning. They also help create shared language and understanding, which can make it easier for children to talk about their experiences both in school and at home.
Practical resources to support relationships and self-esteem
Alongside our lessons, we offer a range of classroom or small group resources that can be used to support discussion and reflection around relationships, confidence and wellbeing.
Here are a couple of examples of free downloadable resources available on our website that can be used to support conversations around friendships and relationships, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Intimacy Pyramid
The Intimacy Pyramid activity helps young people think about what makes a healthy relationship. It encourages discussion about qualities such as trust, communication and respect, and helps young people explore why strong foundations matter. The activity also supports reflection on how intimacy and sexual activity fit within the wider context of a healthy relationship.
Self-Esteem Statues
The Self-Esteem Statues activity supports young people aged 11–13 to recognise feelings linked to both low and high self-esteem, and to think about what can influence how they feel about themselves. It’s a short, accessible activity that requires no equipment and works well in a range of classroom or group settings.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s wellbeing grows through everyday experiences and relationships. When children feel respected, supported and able to talk about how they feel, they’re better placed to navigate friendships and challenges. Children’s Mental Health Week is a great time to remember how relationships, self-esteem and emotional understanding all play a part in helping children feel secure and confident.