THE Duchess of Cambridge has appealed to parents to “look after” themselves during this “hugely challenging time” in a video message to mark Children’s Mental Health Week. Kate also said mothers and fathers need to be “the very best versions of ourselves for the children in our care” in her address. She has supported the […]
THE Duchess of Cambridge has appealed to parents to “look after” themselves during this “hugely challenging time” in a video message to mark Children’s Mental Health Week.
Kate also said mothers and fathers need to be “the very best versions of ourselves for the children in our care” in her address.
She has supported the annual initiative since it was launched in 2015 – to highlight the importance of children and young people’s mental health – by Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity of which she is royal patron.
In her message, due to be released later on Sunday, Kate said: “This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is all about expressing yourself – about finding creative ways in which to share your thoughts, ideas and feelings.
“So whether that’s through photography, through art, through drama, through music or poetry – it’s finding those things that make you feel good about yourself.
“And while this is Children’s Mental Health Week there has never been a more important time to talk about parental wellbeing and mental health too.
Do you know a mum who deserves some extra recognition? We want to pay homage to the best mums in Britain.
During the pandemic they’ve been busy juggling childcare, homeschooling and work, with the added stress of worrying about the health of elderly relatives and vulnerable friends.
It’s never been a harder time to be a mum, so this year it’s even more important to honour the amazing women in our lives.
Nominate her for our Fabulous Mum Of The Year Award and she could win an overnight stay for two at a Champneys spa of her choice complete with a Gold package, which includes four relaxing treatments for the ultimate pampering experience.
Two runners-up will Champneys goodie bag worth £50 plus a £100 M&S voucher and £200 Nutmeg at Morrisons voucher, and all three mums will enjoy a makeover with our glam squad before taking part in a photo shoot for the magazine.
And you could win a £100 Tu at Sainsbury’s voucher, £200 Florence & Fred at Tesco voucher or £250 to spend at Primark just for entering.
If you want to nominate a mum then fill in the form here.
To enter, upload a photograph of the mum you are nominating and explain why they deserve to win.
The deadline for entries is Sunday February 14 and one winner and two runners-up will be announced on Sunday March 14. Good luck – we can’t wait to hear from you!
“Last year you told me just how important this was, that many of us find it hard to prioritise. This is a hugely challenging time for us all so please look after yourself too.
“Find those ways in which to share your thoughts and your feelings or find someone to talk to because we really do need to be the very best versions of ourselves for the children in our care.”
Last year Kate released the findings of her landmark study on the early years development of children.
The research revealed that while 90% of people acknowledged maintaining parental mental health was crucial to supporting the health and happiness of their child, in practice the majority of parents struggled to prioritise their own wellbeing.
In a recent video call with parents, the duchess revealed parenting during lockdown has left her “exhausted” and joked about her children recoiling in “horror” when she became their hairdresser.
To start Children’s Mental Health Week – February 1-7 – Place2Be has teamed up with Oak National Academy and Bafta Kids to create a free assembly celebrating this year’s theme of “Express Yourself”.
The online event begins at 9am on Monday and will feature Blue Peter’s Lindsey Russell and CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson alongside other famous faces.
The future queen highlighted the crucial need for parents and carers to look after their own mental health while being in the country’s third lockdown, and pointed to the impact that this has on the children in their care.
Previously Kate told how she cut her kids’ hair – and they were very shocked.
And want to know about her fashion choices – well read no further.
