Wellbeing for the younger generation SHINY, HAPPY KIDS

Feel like our children need support now more than ever? These wellbeing tools can help

1 HAPPY HEAD

The tool: Headspace

For Kids Used by more than 36m adults in 190 countries, Headspace is the clear leader when it comes to mindfulness apps. Co-founded in 2012 by former Buddhist monk, Andy Puddicombe, its aim is to demystify meditation and give people permission to take time out to nurture their minds – at any age.

Divided into three different age ranges with tailored activities for each, Headspace For Kids offers simple and engaging breathing exercises, visualisations and meditations for younger users. The app is split into categories including Calm, Focus, Kindness, Wake Up and Sleep, and offers a brilliant way to encourage children to engage with mindfulness. headspace.com/ meditation/kids

2 PERIOD POWER

The tool: Wild Hearts Gang First Period

Box Hands up, who else has shoved a tampon up their sleeve and scurried away to the loo? Period shame is real and that’s why entrepreneur Anne Doherty has launched the Wild Hearts Gang gift box, a stylish and useful kit for girls who have just started their periods, and has also teamed up with Action For Children to donate sanitary products to disadvantaged girls.

As well as information leaflets and branded sanitary products, the boxes contain Uk-made goodies, including a heat bag to soothe cramps, an artisan chocolate bar and a bath bomb to give comfort at what can be an emotional and stressful time.

‘It’s a huge deal when you start your first period,’ says Doherty. ‘I want these boxes to help make girls feel good about themselves as well as being a really lovely way for parents to talk to their daughters openly about it.’ wildheartsgang.com

3 STRETCH IT OUT

The tool: Yoga

With Adriene She has been keeping many of us sane during lockdown – but it’s not just adults who yogi queen Adriene Mishler aka Yoga With Adriene is helping. Her Yoga P.E.

series provides short, energising sessions perfect for revision breaks or a post-school de-stress, while her Yoga For Kids and Rainbow Yoga videos are great for younger yogis. There’s even the added wellbeing benefit of her gorgeous dog, Benji, making several cameo appearances!

Yoga With Adriene is available on Youtube, or visit yogawithadriene.com

4 IN THE MOOD The tool:

Your Mood Journal by Fearne Cotton

Following the success of her adult mindfulness books and wellness podcast Happy Place, the ever-brilliant Fearne Cotton has turned her attention to young people. Aimed at seven- to 12-year-olds, this journal encourages children to become ‘great friends’ with their feelings. Packed full of interactive exercises, practical tips and stickers for personalisation, this journal is a way for children to unpick and explore their emotions. As Cotton explains: ‘Emotions may seem big and complex, but the more we understand them, the better we can become at managing them.’ Your Mood Journal (Penguin) by Fearne Cotton is out now