Emotional well-being – the facts Useful links and contacts ii

Information
Good mental and emotional health is very important for general well-being. Parentzone Drugs for Parents
There are strong links between children’s emotional well-being and their www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk www.sad.org.uk
personal, social development and academic and other achievements. Health Promoting Schools Emotional Health
www.healthpromotingschools.co.uk www.youngminds.org.uk
In Scotland, one in ten children and young people experience mental and NHS Health Scotland Dealing with Stress
emotional health problems which impact on their thoughts, feelings, www.healthscotland.com www.practicalparent.org.uk/stress3.htm
behaviour, learning and relationships on a daily basis. Schools can support Healthy Living BBC Parents
children to feel good about themselves by providing a happy, safe, supportive Tel: 0845 2 78 88 78 www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents
and secure environment. www.healthyliving.gov.uk Parentscentre
Health and Well-being www.parentscentre.gov.uk Making the difference
Emotional health affects everyone's quality of life. To be emotionally well
www.direct.gov.uk/HealthAndWellBeing/ ParentLine Scotland

Healthy choices
your child needs to feel: HealthyLiving/fs/en Tel: 0808 800 2222
Healthy Eating www.children1st.org.uk/parentline
> loved, trusted, valued and > accepted www.5aday.nhs.uk Parent Network Scotland
understood
> respected School Meals Tel: 0131 555 6780

> safe and secure > included

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/School
-Education/18922/19348
www.parentnetworkscotland.org.uk
One Parent Families Scotland
> nurtured and cared for > able to talk about their feelings Healthy Respect Tel: 0800 018 5026

> listened to > confident in their own abilities.

www.healthy-respect.com www.opfs.org.uk

This leaflet is the seventh in a series. It highlights the real difference parents can and do make to their
What can I do? children’s learning. Together with the local advice you will have on the arrangements in your child’s
school, this series will offer information to help you become better involved in your child’s education.
> Try to make sure your child eats well, gets enough sleep, is physically active Other published leaflets are: Homework, Sharing information, Parents’ evenings, School holidays,
and has time to relax Starting a new school year and Out of school learning. The series also includes materials for schools
and teachers on these topics.
> Take time to listen and talk to your child about the things that matter
to them or concern them and give support when they need it If you would like to contact us, or suggest topics for future leaflets, please visit

> Encourage your child to think positively, to set realistic goals for themselves www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk or telephone 0131 244 0956. This leaflet will be available in
community languages and alternative formats from your child’s school and the Parentzone website.
in life and take things one step at a time. Discuss their goals with them and
offer praise when these are achieved This series is prepared in partnership with the Quality in Education Centre (University of Strathclyde)
and Children in Scotland. This leaflet has been prepared with the Scottish Health Promoting Schools
> It is important to remember that stress is a natural part of life. It only Unit.
becomes harmful when the problems and hassles of daily life overwhelm
your child. There are times when your child may feel stressed by things
like exams, bullying, or family problems. Let the school know as soon as
possible about any problem your child is having so that they can support
and help you to resolve the problem.
Astron B43546-10-05
As parents, carers and family members you have a huge What can I do?
How can my child benefit?
role to play in your children’s physical, social and emotional > make sure the family eats healthy meals at home. You
If children get the same messages at home and at school they are can get advice on healthy eating from a wide variety of
health and well-being. What your child eats and drinks, how much more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices. By encouraging places including your doctor, health visitor, public health
active they are and how they feel about themselves has a your child to eat healthily and be physically active you will help them nurse and health centre
big effect on their health now and in the future. By working to do better at school. > involve your child in cooking and preparing meals at home
together with the school, you can make a real difference to With a balanced diet, regular physical activity and the confidence to > encourage your child to eat school lunches. These have
make good lifestyle choices, your child will: improved recently – there are more choices and the food
your child’s health by giving them good advice and helping is now better quality, tastier and healthier
> have more energy > get fewer illnesses
them to have a healthy lifestyle.
> have a more positive happy > feel less stressed > think about healthy options for snacks and lunchboxes.
outlook
> not get bored so easily Physical activity - the facts
> be able to concentrate better > sleep better.
> stay at a healthy weight As a nation, we are not active or fit enough and are increasingly overweight.
Two-thirds of us are at risk of serious health problems as a result of our
inactivity. This trend starts before we leave school. For children to be healthy
they need at least one hour of physical activity a day but 27% of boys and
40% of girls are not doing this.
Healthy eating – the facts If your child is active every day, they will feel better, physically and mentally.
It helps them to relax, relieves stress, stops them getting bored and gives
What are schools doing? There has been an increase in children who are overweight. The right them more energy.
balance of foods will give your child all the nutrients they need for healthy
Many schools actively promote health through becoming Health Promoting growth and development. A balanced diet also helps to reduce the risk of
Schools, working with a wide range of partners to: serious diseases later in life. However, many children and young people
What can I do?
> provide happy, safe, supportive and secure environments for learning have unhealthy eating habits: > Encourage and support your child to take part in extra-curricular activities
(dance, sports, games) at their school. As well as keeping them active,
> support and encourage children, parents and staff to become involved > 53% drink fizzy or sugary drinks at least once
these provide a good opportunity for your child to meet friends and make
in making healthier choices about lifestyle a day
new ones.
> teach children about a wide variety of health topics such as healthy > 16% eat fresh fruit only once a week or less
> Your child doesn’t have to be good at sport to be active! Small changes
eating, physical activity, sexual health and relationships, drugs, smoking
and alcohol – issues that can really affect their lives.
> 40% eat vegetables only once a week or less to their everyday routine, such as walking or cycling to school instead of
going by bus or car, will give them an opportunity to be more active.
To find out what your child’s school is doing to promote health and
> 24% don’t eat breakfast
wellbeing, get in touch with the school. > 40% eat chocolate, crisps or biscuits more
> Leisure activities with friends or family, such as playing football, going
swimming, ten-pin bowling, dancing, skateboarding or rollerblading,
than once a day.
are a great way to keep active, socialise and have fun at the same time.
As parents, carers and family members you have a huge What can I do?
How can my child benefit?
role to play in your children’s physical, social and emotional > make sure the family eats healthy meals at home. You
If children get the same messages at home and at school they are can get advice on healthy eating from a wide variety of
health and well-being. What your child eats and drinks, how much more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices. By encouraging places including your doctor, health visitor, public health
active they are and how they feel about themselves has a your child to eat healthily and be physically active you will help them nurse and health centre
big effect on their health now and in the future. By working to do better at school. > involve your child in cooking and preparing meals at home
together with the school, you can make a real difference to With a balanced diet, regular physical activity and the confidence to > encourage your child to eat school lunches. These have
make good lifestyle choices, your child will: improved recently – there are more choices and the food
your child’s health by giving them good advice and helping is now better quality, tastier and healthier
> have more energy > get fewer illnesses
them to have a healthy lifestyle.
> have a more positive happy > feel less stressed > think about healthy options for snacks and lunchboxes.
outlook
> not get bored so easily Physical activity - the facts
> be able to concentrate better > sleep better.
> stay at a healthy weight As a nation, we are not active or fit enough and are increasingly overweight.
Two-thirds of us are at risk of serious health problems as a result of our
inactivity. This trend starts before we leave school. For children to be healthy
they need at least one hour of physical activity a day but 27% of boys and
40% of girls are not doing this.
Healthy eating – the facts If your child is active every day, they will feel better, physically and mentally.
It helps them to relax, relieves stress, stops them getting bored and gives
What are schools doing? There has been an increase in children who are overweight. The right them more energy.
balance of foods will give your child all the nutrients they need for healthy
Many schools actively promote health through becoming Health Promoting growth and development. A balanced diet also helps to reduce the risk of
Schools, working with a wide range of partners to: serious diseases later in life. However, many children and young people
What can I do?
> provide happy, safe, supportive and secure environments for learning have unhealthy eating habits: > Encourage and support your child to take part in extra-curricular activities
(dance, sports, games) at their school. As well as keeping them active,
> support and encourage children, parents and staff to become involved > 53% drink fizzy or sugary drinks at least once
these provide a good opportunity for your child to meet friends and make
in making healthier choices about lifestyle a day
new ones.
> teach children about a wide variety of health topics such as healthy > 16% eat fresh fruit only once a week or less
> Your child doesn’t have to be good at sport to be active! Small changes
eating, physical activity, sexual health and relationships, drugs, smoking
and alcohol – issues that can really affect their lives.
> 40% eat vegetables only once a week or less to their everyday routine, such as walking or cycling to school instead of
going by bus or car, will give them an opportunity to be more active.
To find out what your child’s school is doing to promote health and
> 24% don’t eat breakfast
wellbeing, get in touch with the school. > 40% eat chocolate, crisps or biscuits more
> Leisure activities with friends or family, such as playing football, going
swimming, ten-pin bowling, dancing, skateboarding or rollerblading,
than once a day.
are a great way to keep active, socialise and have fun at the same time.
As parents, carers and family members you have a huge What can I do?
How can my child benefit?
role to play in your children’s physical, social and emotional > make sure the family eats healthy meals at home. You
If children get the same messages at home and at school they are can get advice on healthy eating from a wide variety of
health and well-being. What your child eats and drinks, how much more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices. By encouraging places including your doctor, health visitor, public health
active they are and how they feel about themselves has a your child to eat healthily and be physically active you will help them nurse and health centre
big effect on their health now and in the future. By working to do better at school. > involve your child in cooking and preparing meals at home
together with the school, you can make a real difference to With a balanced diet, regular physical activity and the confidence to > encourage your child to eat school lunches. These have
make good lifestyle choices, your child will: improved recently – there are more choices and the food
your child’s health by giving them good advice and helping is now better quality, tastier and healthier
> have more energy > get fewer illnesses
them to have a healthy lifestyle.
> have a more positive happy > feel less stressed > think about healthy options for snacks and lunchboxes.
outlook
> not get bored so easily Physical activity - the facts
> be able to concentrate better > sleep better.
> stay at a healthy weight As a nation, we are not active or fit enough and are increasingly overweight.
Two-thirds of us are at risk of serious health problems as a result of our
inactivity. This trend starts before we leave school. For children to be healthy
they need at least one hour of physical activity a day but 27% of boys and
40% of girls are not doing this.
Healthy eating – the facts If your child is active every day, they will feel better, physically and mentally.
It helps them to relax, relieves stress, stops them getting bored and gives
What are schools doing? There has been an increase in children who are overweight. The right them more energy.
balance of foods will give your child all the nutrients they need for healthy
Many schools actively promote health through becoming Health Promoting growth and development. A balanced diet also helps to reduce the risk of
Schools, working with a wide range of partners to: serious diseases later in life. However, many children and young people
What can I do?
> provide happy, safe, supportive and secure environments for learning have unhealthy eating habits: > Encourage and support your child to take part in extra-curricular activities
(dance, sports, games) at their school. As well as keeping them active,
> support and encourage children, parents and staff to become involved > 53% drink fizzy or sugary drinks at least once
these provide a good opportunity for your child to meet friends and make
in making healthier choices about lifestyle a day
new ones.
> teach children about a wide variety of health topics such as healthy > 16% eat fresh fruit only once a week or less
> Your child doesn’t have to be good at sport to be active! Small changes
eating, physical activity, sexual health and relationships, drugs, smoking
and alcohol – issues that can really affect their lives.
> 40% eat vegetables only once a week or less to their everyday routine, such as walking or cycling to school instead of
going by bus or car, will give them an opportunity to be more active.
To find out what your child’s school is doing to promote health and
> 24% don’t eat breakfast
wellbeing, get in touch with the school. > 40% eat chocolate, crisps or biscuits more
> Leisure activities with friends or family, such as playing football, going
swimming, ten-pin bowling, dancing, skateboarding or rollerblading,
than once a day.
are a great way to keep active, socialise and have fun at the same time.
Emotional well-being – the facts Useful links and contacts ii
Information
Good mental and emotional health is very important for general well-being. Parentzone Drugs for Parents
There are strong links between children’s emotional well-being and their www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk www.sad.org.uk
personal, social development and academic and other achievements. Health Promoting Schools Emotional Health
www.healthpromotingschools.co.uk www.youngminds.org.uk
In Scotland, one in ten children and young people experience mental and NHS Health Scotland Dealing with Stress
emotional health problems which impact on their thoughts, feelings, www.healthscotland.com www.practicalparent.org.uk/stress3.htm
behaviour, learning and relationships on a daily basis. Schools can support Healthy Living BBC Parents
children to feel good about themselves by providing a happy, safe, supportive Tel: 0845 2 78 88 78 www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents
and secure environment. www.healthyliving.gov.uk Parentscentre
Health and Well-being www.parentscentre.gov.uk Making the difference
Emotional health affects everyone's quality of life. To be emotionally well
www.direct.gov.uk/HealthAndWellBeing/ ParentLine Scotland

Healthy choices
your child needs to feel: HealthyLiving/fs/en Tel: 0808 800 2222
Healthy Eating www.children1st.org.uk/parentline
> loved, trusted, valued and > accepted www.5aday.nhs.uk Parent Network Scotland
understood
> respected School Meals Tel: 0131 555 6780

> safe and secure > included

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/School
-Education/18922/19348
www.parentnetworkscotland.org.uk
One Parent Families Scotland
> nurtured and cared for > able to talk about their feelings Healthy Respect Tel: 0800 018 5026

> listened to > confident in their own abilities.

www.healthy-respect.com www.opfs.org.uk

This leaflet is the seventh in a series. It highlights the real difference parents can and do make to their
What can I do? children’s learning. Together with the local advice you will have on the arrangements in your child’s
school, this series will offer information to help you become better involved in your child’s education.
> Try to make sure your child eats well, gets enough sleep, is physically active Other published leaflets are: Homework, Sharing information, Parents’ evenings, School holidays,
and has time to relax Starting a new school year and Out of school learning. The series also includes materials for schools
and teachers on these topics.
> Take time to listen and talk to your child about the things that matter
to them or concern them and give support when they need it If you would like to contact us, or suggest topics for future leaflets, please visit

> Encourage your child to think positively, to set realistic goals for themselves www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk or telephone 0131 244 0956. This leaflet will be available in
community languages and alternative formats from your child’s school and the Parentzone website.
in life and take things one step at a time. Discuss their goals with them and
offer praise when these are achieved This series is prepared in partnership with the Quality in Education Centre (University of Strathclyde)
and Children in Scotland. This leaflet has been prepared with the Scottish Health Promoting Schools
> It is important to remember that stress is a natural part of life. It only Unit.
becomes harmful when the problems and hassles of daily life overwhelm
your child. There are times when your child may feel stressed by things
like exams, bullying, or family problems. Let the school know as soon as
possible about any problem your child is having so that they can support
and help you to resolve the problem.
Astron B43546-10-05
Emotional well-being – the facts Useful links and contacts ii
Information
Good mental and emotional health is very important for general well-being. Parentzone Drugs for Parents
There are strong links between children’s emotional well-being and their www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk www.sad.org.uk
personal, social development and academic and other achievements. Health Promoting Schools Emotional Health
www.healthpromotingschools.co.uk www.youngminds.org.uk
In Scotland, one in ten children and young people experience mental and NHS Health Scotland Dealing with Stress
emotional health problems which impact on their thoughts, feelings, www.healthscotland.com www.practicalparent.org.uk/stress3.htm
behaviour, learning and relationships on a daily basis. Schools can support Healthy Living BBC Parents
children to feel good about themselves by providing a happy, safe, supportive Tel: 0845 2 78 88 78 www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents
and secure environment. www.healthyliving.gov.uk Parentscentre
Health and Well-being www.parentscentre.gov.uk Making the difference
Emotional health affects everyone's quality of life. To be emotionally well
www.direct.gov.uk/HealthAndWellBeing/ ParentLine Scotland

Healthy choices
your child needs to feel: HealthyLiving/fs/en Tel: 0808 800 2222
Healthy Eating www.children1st.org.uk/parentline
> loved, trusted, valued and > accepted www.5aday.nhs.uk Parent Network Scotland
understood
> respected School Meals Tel: 0131 555 6780

> safe and secure > included

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/School
-Education/18922/19348
www.parentnetworkscotland.org.uk
One Parent Families Scotland
> nurtured and cared for > able to talk about their feelings Healthy Respect Tel: 0800 018 5026

> listened to > confident in their own abilities.

www.healthy-respect.com www.opfs.org.uk

This leaflet is the seventh in a series. It highlights the real difference parents can and do make to their
What can I do? children’s learning. Together with the local advice you will have on the arrangements in your child’s
school, this series will offer information to help you become better involved in your child’s education.
> Try to make sure your child eats well, gets enough sleep, is physically active Other published leaflets are: Homework, Sharing information, Parents’ evenings, School holidays,
and has time to relax Starting a new school year and Out of school learning. The series also includes materials for schools
and teachers on these topics.
> Take time to listen and talk to your child about the things that matter
to them or concern them and give support when they need it If you would like to contact us, or suggest topics for future leaflets, please visit

> Encourage your child to think positively, to set realistic goals for themselves www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk or telephone 0131 244 0956. This leaflet will be available in
community languages and alternative formats from your child’s school and the Parentzone website.
in life and take things one step at a time. Discuss their goals with them and
offer praise when these are achieved This series is prepared in partnership with the Quality in Education Centre (University of Strathclyde)
and Children in Scotland. This leaflet has been prepared with the Scottish Health Promoting Schools
> It is important to remember that stress is a natural part of life. It only Unit.
becomes harmful when the problems and hassles of daily life overwhelm
your child. There are times when your child may feel stressed by things
like exams, bullying, or family problems. Let the school know as soon as
possible about any problem your child is having so that they can support
and help you to resolve the problem.
Astron B43546-10-05