Assertive Parenting and mental health session4

Outline Questions from last session Recap sessions Mental health and Behaviour Mindfulness exercise & self care Review individual plans- group discussion Review goals Feedback

Session 1 Behaviour as non verbal communication Vulnerability Factors Anxiety Depression (See next slide) Understanding the function of the behaviour STAR charts

Depression All children will feel sad at some point in their lives but for a child experiencing depression the sadness lasts longer and can affect different aspects of their lives (e.g. socially, academically etc.) Your child may experience low mood for a number of reasons:- Bereavement loss of teaching assistant or favorite teacher sibling leaving home parental separation moving home/school change in routine pain or illness Depression = On-going low mood which interferes with daily functioning

Depression and CB Here are some key signs that you may notice in your child Emotional Sudden or gradual changes in usual behaviour- disruptive at school Outbursts of anger, irritable, destructiveness or self- harm Behavioural Loss of interest- in school, play or extra-curricular activities Loss of skills, motivation and low energy Loss of ability or willingness to communicate Poor concentration Psychological Seeking reassurance Low self-esteem and confidence; focusing on problems and faults; being self-critical Physical Loss of bowel or bladder control Physical illness- stomach pains, aches, pains, headaches, frequent cold symptoms, diarrhoea, vomiting

Session 2 Overview How behaviour is learnt Functions of behaviour STAR charts Managing Stress

Session 3 Overview Avoiding Behaviour that challenges through: Total Communication strategies Clear goals, consistency, rewards, boundaries, FUN! Prevention Strategies Avoiding Strategies Responding Strategies

Developing individual plans Group discussion Developing individual plans

Review Goals

The end Questions? Comments? Discussion?