Emotional well-being
Mental and emotional health are fundamental to good general health and well-being. There are strong links between the emotional well-being of children and young people and their personal and social development and academic performance.
These links show that children need healthy, supportive and stimulating environments with a clear focus on, and commitment to, helping them develop high self-esteem and good relationships. With such support, they are more likely to become confident, happy and ambitious people.
However, we know that one in 10 children and young people in Scotland experience mental health problems that have an impact on their thoughts, feelings, behaviour, learning and relationships on a day-to-day basis.
The role of families
As a parent or carer you have a vital role to play in nurturing positive emotional well-being in your children. You can do this by:
- providing a supportive home environment
- offering stimulating and fun experiences
- helping build confidence and self-esteem
- supporting children as they learn to build a good relationships
- giving children and young people the opportunity to talk about things that concern them and listening to what they have to say
- maintaining links with the school that your children attend.
Useful links
HeadsUpScotland
Provides information about the National Project for Children and Young People's Mental Health, its activities and strands of work, as well as useful links and contact information.
WellScotland
The website for the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-Being, with information on its aims, priorities and publications.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health pages
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health pages of the Royal College of Psychiatrists website provide downloadable leaflets for a range of readers including children, young people, parents and teachers: there are also details of useful books and resources.
