Simple steps to create happy and content kids

Next in his exclusive series, leading mental health expert Dr Alex George shares key habits for families to adopt that can help shape calmer, cheerful children

- HANNAH BRITT

WELCOME to part two of my exclusive young person's mental health plan, designed to encourage happiness and general contentment in children.

In part one I talked about the life-changing power of habits, which are the little things we do every day, and how by picking ones that encourage joy, like getting outside, being grateful, and removing screens, they can work together to build better mental resilience.

Today I'll share more, to add to your family happiness toolkit and reveal how the easy trick of habit stacking makes all the difference...

This is when you add another habit to an existing one and is a great way of getting children to remember to do things. For example, once they have conquered brushing their teeth, they could name three things they like about themselves to build confidence, or three things they're grateful for.

The brain will form a neurological loop over time. Children will think: “Oh I'm brushing my teeth so I need to do that too.”

Another example is every day having an apple in their bag they can eat on the way home from school. School run = healthy snack.

You can start off small and bookend your child's day with simple changes and habits in the first hour when they wake and before they go to sleep

First hour: When they wake up, don't let them pick up their phone. Open their curtains to get the natural light in straight away. Ensure they have some good breakfast - carbs, fruit, protein. Then, have them make their bed and get them outside to walk to school, being in nature and the fresh air. Studies show those who walk in nature for 20 minutes a day have significant improvements in mental health.

That first hour is simple but can set them up for a day of success and feeling good.

Last hour: How do we create a state that is helpful for sleeping? Big lights off, lamps on. If a screen is on, ensure it's the TV rather than one closer to them.