Happy New Year – and let’s hope 2017 treats us a little more kindly than 2016. We have certainly had one fast ride of ups and downs over the last 12 months, and are still reeling from the events of the world. Many of you will have been fielding tricky questions from the kids about what they see on the news or hear in the playground, and I wanted to look at ways in which we can support our children of all ages when the outside world goes a little bit crazy.

Listen to your children’s concerns

Firstly, we must ensure our children feel safe and secure. That means taking time to really listen to their concerns, to validate their feelings and reflect on their understanding, rather than overloading them with information or, worse, simply brushing their concerns under the carpet.

Seeing the wider world in turmoil is an opportunity to restate the family values you are trying to instil into them – kindness, tolerance, patience and acceptance, as well as resilience, confidence and self-belief.  When they talk about the mean things people say, we have the chance to gather them close and encourage using kind words and seeing beyond the labels.

Encourage children to do good deeds

“In moments of crisis, always look for the helpers” – these wise words from Mr Rogers have proved so useful during recent international events. And it is true – even in moments of terrible crisis there are people looking to help and be ‘earth angels’ by supporting victims, offering aid or simply raising funds for charities. Encourage children to take part in donating goods, fund-raising or simply doing one good deed a day.

I truly believe that testing times – whether health issues, financial challenges or political upheaval – have something of value to offer us, and if we can find our own inner joy, within our families, relationships and friendships, and if we can embrace gratitude for all that we do have, and bring the ‘attitude of gratitude’ into daily life, we will find ourselves a whole lot healthier and happier. But how?

My magic suggestion for 2017 is the ‘Release’ and ‘Dream’ bowls. Take two bowls or pots, and whenever you feel bad about anything, write it on a scrap of paper and throw it into the ‘Release’ pot. Then, when you feel the need, safely burn the contents (outside and with care please!) knowing all those grumbles and mumbles are gone and cleared away – it really works!

Write down your ideas and dreams

Conversely, whenever you long for something, have an idea, a dream or an ‘I wish’ moment, write that on paper and pop into the ‘Dream’ pot to be saved and loved and await its moment to come true. You can dip into this pot to access ideas and inspiration for ways to love each other and share memories – and this pot can last forever!

You can get the kids to make a papier-mâché pot and decorate it, stick on pictures of things you all love, make it bright and sparkly and a thing of combined joy within the family.

Happy New Year – let’s make this one magical!