The Importance of Play in a child’s life

importance
importance

“Just as birds fly and fish swim, children play” (Landreth, 2002) 

We all know that children love to play but did you know that it’s not just a pleasurable activity for them. It’s a vital part of how they grow and develop.

Play is an integrating mechanism. Play organises a child’s thinking, feelings, relationships and physical body, so that everything comes together to support development and learning. The UN Convention of Children’s rights has marked play as a universal right of children in supporting their development.  

The benefits of play involve supporting a child’s growth across four areas – social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.  

play

  • Social development  

Children acquire social skills with others by listening, paying attention and sharing play experiences.

Play supports children to explore their feelings, develop self-discipline and learn how to express themselves.

It increases their ability to learn problem solving skills, negotiation and conflict resolution.  

  • Emotional development 

Playing fosters positive emotions and supports the growth of resilience.

Play experiences reduce stress in children and help them make sense of their bigger feelings.  

  • Cognitive development 

Engaging in play activities encourages children to develop language and communication skills. 

When children are given the opportunity to choose their own play activities, they can express their choices in words and converse freely.

They learn how to make decisions and make choices, building their confidence and self-esteem.  

  • Physical development 

Engaging in physical play activities can support the development of balance, co-ordination, fine and gross motor skills. 

As the child is using energy while engaging in physical play, it also promotes a better sleeping and eating pattern.  

Playing with your child can foster a positive attachment and strengthen your bond. It can support your child to learn new skills and help you learn more about them.  

Here are some examples of play activities under the following headings:  

Social Development: Any card games 

Emotional Development: Making dens, a castle or a pirate ship from duvets, cushions, chairs and or cardboard boxes.  

Cognitive Development:  Jigsaws or matching games 

Physical Development:  Hopscotch or skipping 

 

For more ideas on different play activities please see the links below.  

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/lets-play-ideas/
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/lets-play-families/
https://www.tusla.ie/parenting-24-seven/0-5years/the-parent-child-relationship-is-key/activities-for-you-and-your-infant/
https://www.facebook.com/ncnplayhub/

 

An Introduction to Infant Mental Health

infant
infant

“For infants and young children, mental health may be defined as the capacity to grow well and love well.”  

When we talk about our childhood, there are probably very few of us who can recite memories from our infant years so it can be mindboggling to grasp just how much importance they have in how we grow and develop!

In fact, it is during those pivotal early years of development that we begin to establish foundations for positive mental health and wellbeing throughout our lifespan.  

Infant mental health refers to how well a child develops socially and emotionally from birth to three years and how their first relationships influence them.

Starting from birth, babies seek out human connections and before they can crawl, infants can recognise different emotions – sadness, anger and happiness – and know what tone of voice matches the appropriate facial expressions.

Babies and infants also experience all these emotions themselves. However, in these early years, infants cannot manage their feelings on their own and need help to soothe, settle and deal with them.

This is where their parents and caregivers come in to offer a trusting and safe relationship by responding and nurturing those early feelings. 

infant
Giphy

So what does all that mean if you are a parent and want to promote your infant’s mental health?

There are a number of important interactions that can prepare the way for strong, healthy, social and emotional wellbeing in your infant: 

  • Make time to connect and communicate with your baby through smiling, talking, touch and massage.
     
  • Respond to your baby when they are unsettled. This is not ‘spoiling’ them as they learn from you how to regulate back to a calm state which prevents the behaviour from escalating.
     
  • Babies respond and flourish in environments that are predictable and nurturing so having a routine is vital for their development.
     
  • Taking time to understand your baby’s behaviour helps you understand what they may be experiencing so you can respond. For example, looking way and blinking are ways your baby shows you that they may need a rest.
     
  • A soft, soothing voice or gentle cuddling in your arms can help soothe or settle your baby.
     
  • Be mindful of your own feelings and experiences as a parent. This is important for your own self-care, but also because what you are going through can affect your child. Remember, parents do not have to be perfect. Babies just need their parents to be good enough.

Don’t miss Safer Internet Day 2021 on February 9th!

Safer Internet Day (SID) is fast approaching. On Tuesday, 9 February 2021, there will be millions around the globe joining forces to come “Together for a better internet”. How do you plan to participate in the big day?

If you’re not familiar with Safer Internet Day, it’s an annual event organised by the Insafe/INHOPE network of European Safer Internet Centres (SICs) with the support of the European Commission*, that has taken place every February since 2004.

It has been a global, community-led observance which provides a space for all stakeholders to reflect on how together we can promote a responsible, respectful, critical and creative use of digital technologies with the ultimate goal of fostering a better internet for all.

Despite the restrictions placed on celebrations this year, SID 2021 will still be a vibrant and engaging occasion, allowing us all to reflect on our increased use of digital technologies as a result of the pandemic through a host of events and activities!

Internet Safety in Ireland

In line with the EU Safer Internet initiative, Ireland provides awareness raising, helplines and a hotline. These services are delivered by partner organisations, with the Department of Justice providing coordination.

The project partners are:

  • Webwise.ie This is part of the PDST (Professional Development Service for Teachers) Technology in Education in the Department of Education and Skills. It deals with awareness raising, develops materials and programmes for schools and runs the annual event for Safer Internet Day in Ireland.
  • Hotline.ie  The Internet Service Providers’ Association of Ireland (ISPAI) operates the hotline, the service which allows the public to report suspected illegal content or activities found on the internet.
  • ISPCC Childline The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) operates the helpline (Childine), which provides services on a 24/7 basis where children affected by issues encountered on the internet may turn for advice and guidance.
  • NPC Primary The National Parents Council Primary operates the parent/adult helpline, a dedicated helpline to deal with issues relating to internet safety, including cyberbullying. The NPC also provides parents with training courses, both online and face to face.

#BeKind – ONLINE WEBINAR SERIES

As part of Safer Internet Day, the Irish Safer Internet Centre will host a series of webinars to help keep you and your families safe online:

Tuesday, 9 February: 7.30pm-8.15pm 

·     Title: Empowering Healthy Online Behaviour in Teenagers

·     Guest Speaker: Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, cyberpsychology researcher, member of the Cyberpsychology Research Group at the University of Wolverhampton and lectures in Cyberpsychology and Psychology in IADT, Dun Laoghaire.

·     Audience: This webinar is for parents of teenagers.

·     Register here

 

Wednesday, 10 February 7.30pm-8.15pm

·     Title: Empowering Healthy Online Behaviour in Younger Children

·     Guest Speaker: Mark Smyth, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

·     Audience: This webinar is for parents of younger children.

·     Register here

 

Thursday, 11 February 7.30pm-8.15pm

·     Title: Empowering students to build digital resilience and manage their online wellbeing

·     Guest Speakers: Jane McGarrigle and Tracy Hogan (Webwise)

·     Audience: This webinar is for teachers, educators, school leaders and education stakeholders.

·     Register here

Resources

* Safer Internet Day would not be possible without the support of the European Commission. Currently the funding is provided by the Connecting Europe Facility programme (CEF). Find out more about the EC’s “European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children” on the European Commission’s website.

ISPCC Childline wants children and young people to Have Their Say!

young people
young people

ISPCC Childline is keen to hear the views of children and young people, now more than ever.

With so much uncertainty in their world, it’s vital that we continue to be there to provide relevant and engaging services to them if or when they need us most.

We want to know what’s important in their world – the music they listen to, people they admire, the things they talk about with their friends, their interests and hobbies, their wellbeing and more.

What’s their favourite TV show? Do they prefer gaming or social media? Is Snapchat still a thing?!

In order to improve and develop the services we provide, we’re asking children and young people to fill out the short survey below or at this link.

It’s anonymous, it will only take about 10 – 15 minutes of their time and they might even enjoy it!

Create your own user feedback survey

Remember, if you ever need help or just a shoulder to lean on, the ISPCC’s Support Line service can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or between 9am – 1pm Monday – Friday by calling 01 522 4300.

How to help Children and Young People understand Consent in Relationships

relationships
relationships

There are a lot of things you'll teach your child as they grow into teenagers but one of the most important is the lesson of consent.

Thankfully, times are changing and the issue of consent is now being discussed more openly but it’s not enough for children to only have a vague notion of what it is. If you’re worried that your child still isn’t sure, here are a few things you can do to help them navigate the subject.

  • Ensure your relationship with your child is based on trust, safety, respect and communication.

  • Use every-day interactions to normalize the concept of consent, by asking if your child would like a hug, or would like you to hold their hand.

  • Respect a child’s right to say no to unwanted touch, such as tickling or hugging relatives.

  • Encourage your child to respectfully ask for what they want, and support them to manage difficult emotions like disappointment and anger when their needs are not met or they are told ‘no’.

When the time comes that your child is actually in a relationship, make sure the conversation around consent continues and develops.

  • Provide Good Quality Resources
    Knowledge is power and ensuring your child has the correct information to clarify the concept of consent and legal definition is a crucial first step.

  • Chat To Them
    It’s vital to foster open communication with your children when it comes to talking about awkward topics. Not only will it help them understand consent, it will also help them develop the skills they need to behave appropriately to perceived rejection.

  • Have a Healthy Attitude
    The way you discuss sexuality and consent will have a major impact on your child. Nurture healthy and respectful attitudes towards others, and challenge any messages of victim-blaming that may be picked up through media or their peers.

  • If in Doubt, Ask
    Inform the young person that clothing, flirting, unclear messages, sexting and other behaviours are not the same as consent. Never assume. Always ask the question “Is this OK?”

RESOURCES

Let’s Talk About Consent – a guide for young people exploring the topic of consent

Understanding consent in Irish Law: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/28e12f-consent/

CONCERNS

If you are concerned about a child or young person who may have been sexually assaulted, you can access support through the CARI Helpline (Lo Call 1890 92 4567), a specialized National service for those concerned about or affected by child sexual abuse

Important Tips for Staying Safe Online

safe laptop
safe laptop

As internet scams become more and more sophisticated, it’s getting harder to ensure our private information remains that way. 

Thankfully, there is a way to minimise your chances of being hacked. These simple but effective tips will help keep you vigilant during your online activity and ensure your data is as safe as it can be.

1. Consider Who You're Sharing Personal Data With

Limit your sharing of sensitive personal data (health, etc.) to trusted recipients such as government departments, public health officials, healthcare professionals or other recipients endorsed by them.

2. Read the Privacy Policy

It might seem laborious but it’s always worth taking a few minutes to read over the privacy policy or data protection notice of a service or website. This will tell you how your data will be processed, who it will be shared with and what purposes it will be used for.

3. Be Wary of Forwarded Links

It’s vital to be wary of links forwarded by SMS, messaging apps or email particularly if you’re not expecting them or you think it has been automatically forwarded. This is a common way to spread malicious links. 

4. Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links

If you’re unsure about a link or attachment, don’t click on it. Keep in mind that displayed text for a link can look like a legitimate URL but when you open it, the link may lead somewhere else entirely. 

5. Use Anti-Virus Software to protect your devices

Ensure you have up-to-date antivirus or online security software installed on all of your devices. Don’t forget that smartphones and tablets are just as in need of malware protection these days as laptops or desktops!

From the Data Protection Commission

For more information, articles and videos about online safety, visit our Digital Ready Hub. 

4 great reasons to do a Virtual Fundraiser

April Walk Challenge
April Walk Challenge

The lives of children and young people were turned upside down in 2020. They needed Childline more than ever but at the same time, so many of the traditional fundraising activities on which we rely could not take place. 

Thankfully, the true nature of people shone through as we came together in adversity and began virtual fundraisers for vital services. We are so grateful to everyone who ran marathons in their estates, kicked solos in their back gardens, cycled from Malin to Mizen and helped raise the funds we need to keep Chidline listening. 

But as 2021 stretches before us, it’s clear that, although there is light at the end of the tunnel, we’ve quite a way to go before we step into it. We continue to receive up to 800 calls, texts and online contacts from children and young people daily seeking our support. 

That’s where you come in. While it’s a wonderful thing to donate money or time to charity, have you ever thought about becoming a fundraiser?

If you’ve been feeling down or frustrated during yet another lockdown, doing a virtual fundraiser is a fantastic way to give your life a whole new purpose.

Here are just some of the benefits….

  1. You’ll feel amazing!

Gifer.com

We all want to feel good about ourselves and that’s not always easy when we’re worrying about the state of the world or when we’ll be able to get back to work. Doing a virtual fundraiser will give you an extra incentive to get out of bed in the morning, plan your day and know that, despite your circumstances, you’re doing something that will benefit people’s lives. That’s pretty powerful stuff!

2. You’ll get your body moving

While some challenges involve baking or learning a new skill, it’s fair to say that most of them involve a physical element. It could be walking 10,000 steps a day, doing a plank challenge, yoga, running, dancing…anything! 

Doing a physical challenge creates an excellent routine for you that will relieve stress, give you a rush of endorphins (happy hormones) and help you stay fit and healthy. That’s a win-win right there!

3. You’ll connect with more people

Giphy.com

Doing a virtual fundraiser is a brilliant way to reconnect with people you might have lost touch with over the last few months or years. By putting your fundraising challenge on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll be amazed at who reaches out to donate to your cause, who sends you a DM to congratulate you on your work or just leaves a hearty ‘fair play’ in the comments!

4. You’ll be helping to keep our vital services afloat

We all need a purpose in life and for many people, the coronavirus has taken that away from them. Doing a virtual fundraiser for ISPCC Childline means that you are helping vulnerable children when they need us most. It’s been a tough year for everyone, but especially children who have had their routine, friends, education and freedom ripped away, perhaps without fully realising why.

Childline is there for every child and young person who wants to talk – whether it’s about Covid_19, their family and friends, their homework or just how bored they are. No issue is too big or too small.

Help us keep the lines of communication wide open to the children of Ireland. Sign up for a virtual fundraiser today – we bet you’ll be glad you did!

6 Things To Get You Through The January Blues

january
january

Most of us know that Blue Monday happens on the third Monday of every January

But did you know that the term itself was coined by psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnell in 2004 to help boost airline ticket sales in the month of January?

Brutal, but ultimately, highly effective. 

January can be a depressing month. Christmas is over, people are back to work and children are back to school. It’s certainly understandable that people might be feeling unmotivated and a bit fed up.

Of course, it’s important to state that feeling depressed cannot be dictated by a date in the calendar but if Blue Monday opens up the conversation about mental health, then that can only be a good thing.

It’s the perfect excuse to talk to someone you might be concerned about or to check in with your children to see how they are feeling following the Christmas holidays. 

If you’ve been feeling anxious, here are a few things that might help ease the knot in your stomach. 

1. Talk

If you’re a parent or carer struggling with the demands of lockdown and homeschooling or just need to vent, we have a Parenting Support Line which can be contacted by email at [email protected] or Monday to Friday between 9am–1pm by calling 01 522 4300.

2. Exercise

You’re probably sick of hearing people banging on about it but moving your body, preferably outdoors in nature, is the best thing you can do for your head. 

3. Podcasts

There are so many podcasts out there now that the choice can be almost overwhelming. On the plus side, you can choose literally any topic in the world – music, movies, TV, wellness, health, teaching, languages, carpentry, poetry – and you’re guaranteed to find one to suit you. 

4. Journal

If you don’t want to share your worries with anyone, write them down. It’s funny how different things look when we see them on paper. Once you’ve done that, draw a line down the centre of the page and write down what you can do to help minimise your stress and the things that are outside your control. Eg. How others act in a pandemic.

5. Meditation

Meditation isn’t for everyone but thanks to the variety available, it’s worth exploring to see if you can find something that resonates with you. If you’re a beginner, a guided meditation is the best way to start. You’ll find more than you can listen to in a lifetime on Youtube or smartphone apps. Search for the area you’re interested in – sleep, stress management, confidence, peace, motivation – and see how you feel afterwards. 

6. Be Kind 

This is a reminder that you don’t have to be doing something wildly productive or self-improving to be worthy of love or kindness. If you are feeling particularly low today, do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better. 

Watch a movie, phone your best mate, make your favourite dessert, browse interiors on Pinterest, spend the morning in bed watching a feel-good TV series like Parks and Recreation, play with your dog, read a trashy novel, scroll through positive or humorous accounts on Instagram, eat the ice-cream… Whatever you do, own it and ENJOY IT!