Looking for extracurricular activities to develop your child’s personal growth? These classes can supplement what a child learns at school with practical, hands-on knowledge, while helping to identify and hone talent. Most importantly, soft skills such as communication, compassion and leadership are often developed through after-school classes and workshops.

As extracurricular classes in school tend to fill up quickly, it’s best to scout around for external class providers. From art classes to sports, tech and coding workshops to the stage with dance classes and drama courses for kids, you’re sure to find something to keep your toddlers and teens entertained and stimulated after the school bell rings.

Jump To:
Multi-Activity
Dance, Drama, Music
Sports & Swimming
Arts & Creative
Languages
Coding, Science & Stem

Read More: Best Stationery Stores In Hong Kong

Multi-Activity Extracurricular Classes

ActiveKids – Multi-activity after-school classes for 3 to 18-year-olds

ActiveKids specialises in delivering fun and educational multi-activity programs to children from 3 to 18 years old. It offers interactive and engaging after-school activities at the ActiveKids Learning Centre in Kennedy Town as well as at over 60 schools and club locations. From hands-on science, creative cooking and international chess training to robotics, coding, arts and crafts and fashion design, your child is sure to find something they love!

ActiveKids Learning Centre, Unit A, 1/F, Nan Seng Building, 86 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, Whatsapp: 9178 7376, Instagram: @activekidshk

ESF Explore – The largest non-profit after-school class provider in Hong Kong

With over 30 years of extensive experience, ESF Explore is the largest non-profit afterschool classes provider in Hong Kong. It offers a comprehensive range of all-rounded programmes for children (both ESF and non-ESF students) from 6 months to 17 years old including playgroups, language courses and up to 13 different types of sports.

Sassy Mama Tip: ESF Explore has a refer-a-friend scheme where you can receive a $200 non-refundable credit voucher for each new referee who enrols for a regular class or a holiday class!

ESF Explore, various locations across Hong Kong, 2711 1280, www.esfexplore.org.hk

Guidepost Montessori – Extracurricular enrichment programs in Hong Kong

If your child wants to explore a little bit of everything, Guidepost Montessori might be the right fit. It offers extracurricular enrichment programmess that give children aged 2.5 to 6 years old the ability to dive deep into different areas and explore their interests. They’ll have the opportunity to learn everything from cooking in the Montessori Kitchen, growing plants in the Montessori Garden, building on language skills with Guidepost’s English Literacy Arts and Mandarin Immersion programmess, to unleashing their creativity with DIY arts and crafts in the Mini Makers program.

Sassy Mama Tip: If you enrol in three classes, a 15% discount will be offered, and families who enrol in five classes will receive a 30% discount for the season.

Guidepost Montessori, various locations across Hong Kong, 9126 6211, www.guidepost.hk

The Kelly Yang Project – Model UN extracurricular activities in Hong Kong

This premier learning centre offers intensive young author workshops, Model United Nations (MUN), competitive debate, global thinking and critical writing classes.

Kelly Yang, various locations across Hong Kong, 2810 4822, www.kellyyang.edu.hk

Read More: Our Favourite Bookstores For Kids In Hong Kong

Casita – Extracurricular classes with mixed ages in dance, STEM and more

Casita combines Zumbini with its popular Play-Oriented Discovery Sessions (PODS) comprising sensory exploration, arts and crafts and STEM activities.

 Casita, 2/F Workington Tower, 78 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 6291 0128, www.casita.com.hk

More Multi-Activity Extracurricular Classes

• Hong Kong Academy – Co-curricular after-school multi-activity classes from outdoor activities to performing arts. www.co-curricular.hkacademy.edu.hk
• Qurio Education – Extracurricular activities designed to complement what’s taught in local schools. www.qurioed.com
• JA (Junior Achievement) Hong Kong – Programmes for kids of all ages to achieve career readiness, financial health and entrepreneurship skills. www.jahk.org
• JEMS Character Academy – Extracurricular activities to build character and social-emotional skills. www.jems.com.hk
• FezEd Adventuring School – Online extracurricular classes for all-around development. www.fezedhk.com

Read More: Where To Buy Backpacks And School Bags In Hong Kong

Dance, Drama & Music Extracurricular Activities In Hong Kong

Move For Life – Extracurricular dance classes in Sheung Wan

Founded on the idea that dancing resonates with children (especially the little ones) and gives them confidence and joy, Move For Life offers a variety of classes for kids aged 1 to 12 years old. Your young ones will have their stage presence and sense of independence improved by performing alongside their fellow dancers, not to mention the added benefit of enhancing mobility and flexibility. This term will focus on a Disney Parade for Move Monkeys (6 to 12 years) and Halloween and Winter shows for the Little Movers (1 to 5 years).

Sassy Mama Tip: Don’t forget that you get a 3-class trial when you sign up. Plus, you can refer friends through the Referral Programme to get a full, free term!

Move For Life, 111 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 5577 8047, www.moveforlife.asia

Ballroom Bees – Ballroom dancing after school classes for kids

Founded by “Strictly Come Dancing” star Katya Virshilas and her world Champion husband Klaus Kongsdal Jensen, Ballroom Bees focuses on teaching young kids ballroom dancing. Classes are suitable for kids from 18 months to 11 years old.

Ballroom Bees, various locations across Hong Kong, 4622 3215, www.ballroombees.com

Read More: Kids’ Dance Classes In Hong Kong – Dance Studios To Learn Ballet, Jazz, K-Pop, Hip-Hop And More

Jean M. Wong School of Ballet – Classical ballet extracurricular classes in Hong Kong

Having been on the dancing scene in Hong Kong since 1960, the Jean M. Wong School of Ballet starts training young and uses the RAD system for classes and examinations. Suitable for kids from 2 years old.

Jean M. Wong School of Ballet, various locations across Hong Kong, 2886 3992, www.jmwballet.org

Parkland Music Institute — Music extracurricular classes across Hong Kong

Parkland Music offers some of the most extensive guitar classes in the city as well as almost any other musical instrument you could think of. It also has a stellar kid’s programme just for little ones aged 2 to 8 years who want to learn the guitar.

Parkland Music Institute, various locations across Hong Kong, 2660 9138, www.parklandmusic.com.hk

Read More: Music Lessons – Piano Teachers, Guitar, Singing Lessons And More In Hong Kong

More Dance, Drama & Music Extracurricular Activities In Hong Kong

• Faust – Performing arts extracurricular classes in Hong Kong. www.faustworld.com
• Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – Australian-founded extracurricular drama classes. www.helenogradyhk.weebly.com
• Aspire Music – Extracurricular music classes in Hong Kong for kids over 4 years old. www.aspiremusic.com.hk
• Twinkle Dance Company – After-school dance and musical theatre classes for children 18 months and up. www.twinkledance.com
• Tom Lee Music Academy – Long-established music shop with a variety of music classes. www.tomleeacademy.com

Read More: Acting Lessons, Speech, And Drama Classes In Hong Kong For Kids Of All Ages

Sports & Swimming Extracurricular Classes

Minisport — A sampler class of a variety of sports for young kids

It’s no easy task working out which sport your kid will find a passion for. At Minisport, they’ll be introduced to six sports through one programme, with hockey, athletics, basketball, football, tennis and rugby covered throughout the first term. From throwing and kicking to running, jumping and tackling obstacle courses, kids aged 1.5 to 6 years old will develop skills that form the basics of multiple sports with the help of international coaches and small classes. Term 1 starts Monday, 19 August 2024 and you can enrol here.

Sassy Mama Tip: Download the app to easily manage bookings, get $380 in free credit and receive monthly progress reports.

Minisport, various locations across Hong Kong, 5409 6512, www.minisport.hk

Rugby Tots – Rugby for children and toddlers in Hong Kong

Rugby Tots offers rugby classes for children and toddlers, providing a unique atmosphere to improve their confidence, skills and have lots of fun along the way. Sessions are specially designed for each age group and they have Hong Kong’s most engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way.

Rugby Tots, various locations across Hong Kong, 5727 0519, www.rugbytots.hk.

26 Coaching – Extracurricular activities in track athletics or triathlon and multi-sport disciplines

From elite-level athletes to beginners, 26 Coaching offers after-school programmes taught by experienced coach Kate Rutherford to help the budding track and field stars of the future (like 26 alumni Jason Ng in the Paris Olympics). Suitable for ages 6 to 18 years old.

26 Coaching, various locations across Hong Kong, www.26coaching.com

Read More: Kids’ Sports In Hong Kong – Badminton, Rugby and Basketball Sports Classes For Kids

The post The Best Extracurricular Activities And After School Classes In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Mama.

The evidence is in, according to the World Health Organisation, “high-quality sexuality education delivers positive health outcomes, with lifelong impacts.” Kids who receive quality, age-appropriate sex education are more likely to delay exploring their sexuality, and more importantly;

“when they do start having sex, it is safer when they are better informed about their sexuality, sexual health and their rights.”

That’s all well and good, but talking to your child or teenager about the birds and the bees is no easy task – even for the most relaxed and open-minded parent.

Read More: How To Prevent And Recognise Child Sexual Abuse

The Importance Of Sex Education In Hong Kong

Chances are you already know that you need to start having open conversations with your kids. While schools do the best they can, research suggests it isn’t enough, so the conversations need to also happen at home.

It might be tempting to put off talking about the inevitable, “where do babies come from,” until they are older, by that time they may have created their own patchwork of fact and myth about sex.

Sassy Mama Tip: The point about talking to children and teens about sex is to help them make informed and healthy choices when the time comes, not just with regards to sexual health but also in the way they view relationships.

Read More: Raising Resilient Hong Kong Kids By Teaching Them Happiness

Sex Education For Toddlers And Kids Under 6

Many children are introduced to sex education when they see pregnant women in their world. It could be a teacher or caregiver, or even a parent as they expect a younger sibling. Faced with a pregnant belly, young children will be interested in how they came into this world.

“They are really trying to make sense of how they belong in their family.”

At this age, young children become increasingly aware of their bodies and the differences between boys and girls. Young children are also aware that parents share a bed and will have seen them share some physical affection. Given that young children are noticing all of these things, it would be appropriate to meet their curiosity. Fill that need for information by talking to them about bodies and where babies come from in an age-appropriate way.

Sassy Mama Tips:

• Use age appropriate language and avoid misunderstandings. For example, if your young child’s word for penis is “pi-pi”, though it might also be the word for going to the toilet, it might sound confusing if daddy puts his “pi-pi” into mummy to make a baby! So keep their vocabulary and understanding in mind while explaining anything.
• While children do need to learn the correct term for parts of the anatomy, parents naturally use words that feel more comfortable when their children are small. So for example, semen might be described as a “seed”. Children’s books (see below for a list of resources) that explain the facts of life to children at this age might be a helpful source of information for you and your child to look at together.

Sex Education Books For Young Kids

Here are a selection of books specifically designed for young kids. Whether you’re looking for help explaining body parts, where babies come from or the mechanics and science of it all. There are even some beautiful books that discuss pregnancy loss and rainbow babies for parents having trouble finding the words for their little ones.

Read More: How To Understand And Cope With Pregnancy Loss

Sex Education For Primary School Kids

When children are of primary school age, their level of interest in sexual matters can vary. Their ability to vocalise their curiosity may depend on the family’s attitude towards sex. At this age, they may continue to be interested in differences between the sexes (for example, wanting to know about puberty and periods), but they might also have a greater awareness of romantic relationships. At this age, they will be learning that these can take place between same-sex as well as opposite-sex couples. Remain open and honest with your child and try not to shy away from any questions they might have.

Sex Education Books For Primary School Kids

At this age kids are better able to understand more details. There are books here covering everything from body parts to intercourse, and all the different ways a family can be made.

Read More: What It’s Like To Raise A Child In A Same Sex Family

Talking To Tweens And Teens About Sex

Most young adolescents learn about puberty and reproduction at school or in the media (the internet, films, books or TV) and friends are also sources of (mis)information. When puberty hits, hormones rage and an interest in all things sex develops. Adolescents may start masturbating.

As adolescents become more adept at romantic relationships, they become increasingly sexually active. In adolescence, the individual’s gender and sexual identity continue to develop particularly in the context of their peer group. Teens start to feel more sure of their sexual orientation and can be particularly vulnerable to mental health issues when their sexual orientation isn’t accepted within their family and social circles.

“It may be the hardest time to begin talking to your teen about sex if you haven’t started earlier.”

Apart from the embarrassment factor, adolescents become more independent and rely less and less on parents for information and emotional support, turning to their peers for both. So learning from an early age that it is ok to talk about sex with your parents is very important. Perhaps the biggest role a parent can take at this stage is in helping to dispel myths about sex such as how to avoid getting pregnant and STDs.

As with all aspects of a teenager’s life, part of the growing up process is to learn about taking responsibility for yourself. Whilst adolescents may be able to take the necessary physical precautions, they need to learn from you that sex is only one part of real relationships and that emotional responsibility in relationships is of equal, if not greater, importance.

Despite their eagerness to move away from you, teenagers need to have a sense that you will still be there for them no matter what in their chaotic and ever-changing lives.

Sex Education Books For Teens

Your teens need facts and to be spoken to on their level. We love that these books don’t beat around the bush, and cover everything from sexuality and gender identity to conversations around consent. There’s even a book of true stories about losing your virginity.

Read More: How To Get Birth Control In Hong Kong — Contraceptive Pill, IUD And Morning After Pill

Do’s And Don’ts For Talking To Your Kids About Sex

While each family is different there are common threads that you can weave in order to talk to children about sex in a way that works for everyone involved.

Timing Your Sex Education

Do — Try to be open to talking about issues as and when they arise, for example when your child raises a question out of curiosity. If it’s not an appropriate time and place, come back to it later in the day when you have a moment alone with your child or teen.

Don’t — Book in an excruciating “facts of life” chat. The anxiety and embarrassment of such a setup is unlikely to help your child or teen understand the information you are trying to convey.

Keeping Your Cool

Do — Answer in a relaxed and comfortable way. If you are very anxious, buy yourself some time to talk to friends or your partner and think about or rehearse what you are going to say. It may be difficult to be completely relaxed at first but it will get easier with practice.

Don’t — Baulk at the question. It’s ok to react with surprise but take a moment to consider it from their (innocent) perspective and think about what they need to know and why they are asking.

Sassy Mama Tip: Remember your child picks up on the way you say things as well as what you say. Your anxiety might convey that talking about sex, or even sex itself, is something to feel frightened or embarrassed about.

What To Say When You Talk To Your Kids About Sex

Do — Keep it short, sweet and simple. Try to answer the question that has been asked directly, without getting too far off track. You can check in with them what they mean and ask how much they already know. Then tailor your answer according to their needs.

Don’t — Overwhelm your kids with too much information (which may come from your own nerves!).

Leave The Door Open For Further Discussion

Do — Let them know that you value them asking questions, and that they can always come to you.

Do — Be approachable and encouraging with them from a young age. This will help them grow up with trust and the ability to confide in you when there are problems.

More Sex Education Resources For Parents

Finally, if you’re looking for more specific sex education advice, these parenting books are a great place to start.

Editor’s note: This article was most recently updated in October 2023. Thanks to Liz Fletcher, Roxanne Dowell and Alex Purcell Garcia for their contributions. 

The post The Chat: Age Appropriate Sex Education Advice And Resources appeared first on Sassy Mama.

The world is your oyster, and a canvas for your art if you please! We’re lucky to have lanes, buildings, shopfronts and empty walls get transformed into beautiful murals that captivate the eye of passersby across all ages. But the least we’d want for you is to walk around with your stroller in Hong Kong’s humidity in search of hidden gems, so we’ve done the legwork for you and listed neighbourhoods with beautiful street art scenes in Hong Kong.

Read More: Art Classes For Kids – Art Jamming, Chinese Calligraphy & More

Sai Ying Pun – Colourful murals at Art Lane

An easily missable spot just behind Sai Ying Pun MTR Exit B3, these lanes are a hidden treasure trove of Hong Kong’s many talented street artists. From paintings of Bruce Lee to a girl watering her plants and colourful staircases, we find every piece of art photogenic (trust us when we say the colours pop even more on camera!). We also recommend stopping by cosy shops and cafes along the lanes (wako2ffee for a caffeine fix and Pawtners to pet the cutest doggos and cats!).

Sai Kung – Street art and graffiti in a seaside town

There are a total of about 18 works of art dotted around Sai Kung Town (not the outlying islands). Though some have eroded over the years and haven’t been repainted, keep your eyes peeled for when you have a family day trip to Sai Kung planned. You can spot everything from abstract paintings to floral murals and colourful animals – make your way to Man Yee Playground for abstract Chinese characters in green and red and just next to it, you’ll see more murals by more local artists.

Read More: Sai Kung Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong

Central to Sheung Wan – Most famous and iconic street art scene in Hong Kong

It’s hard to count the number of art works you’ll spot around here, especially if you walk from Hollywood Road, Central to Tai Ping Shan area and then further into Sheung Wan. In fact, majority of HKwall’s latest murals are centred around Central and Sheung Wan – our personal favourites include the 90s-inspired cartoon art outside Craftissimo and of the girl floating in space with flying goldfish (just imagine the kids’ imagination running wild!). 

The one pictured above is in Rich View Terrace, Sheung Wan (in the Tai Ping Shan area), where you’ll spot both old and new murals. As for the more long-standing iconic murals (that are sadly eroding), you can spot most on Hollywood Road, Central. Do note that not all areas may be stroller-friendly due to narrower paths and slopes and stairs.

Whampoa – Nature-themed street art all over the neighbourhood

Whampoa Garden, a residential complex taken inspiration from nature, started rolling out more and more street art across the neighbourhood, most of which are inspired by animal, be it a peacock, sea turtles, elephants, pandas, you name it. Since the work here is more recent, you can still clearly see the brush strokes and vibrant colours. Stairways and footbridges are predominantly where you’ll spot the art. Plus, this buzzing neighbourhood is home to plenty of kids-friendly activities including a massive arcade, a bowling alley, a cinema and more – consider your day sorted.

Read More: Best Bowling Alleys in Hong Kong

Tsuen Wan – Wall art and graffiti around The Mills

Given that this is a mall, not only does it make it easier to spot and take photos with kids in front of the murals, there’s also AC for when you really need it in Hong Kong summers! And not to mention numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops. But the street art here is definitely much more limited, and the journey can be extra long for those residing on Hong Kong Island or Sai Kung. That aside, The Mills has beautiful vintage and nature-inspired murals for the art appreciators.

Read More: Dog-Friendly Restaurants In Hong Kong – Where To Eat With Your Pets

Sham Shui Po – Murals and graffiti in unexpected places, including an entirely painted building!

Becoming more and more of a hip zone with the younger generation, Sham Shui Po is an artist’s haven. We love strolling around the streets here and finding graffiti in unexpected places, perhaps one that catches you off-guard is Man Fung Building, repainted entirely and a standing mural on its own. You will also find plenty of cool street art on store fronts next to secondhand stores, electronic stores and chic cafes.

Wong Chuk Hang – Lesser known street art scene in Hong Kong

From the outside, it’s a vastly industrial space (or the stop after Ocean Park), but looking in, Wong Chuk Hang is lined with street art and graffiti. Most of it is concentrated in one space so your mini treasure hunt for murals is made easy. Alight at MTR Exit A1 or A2 to spot cool portraits, abstract art and again, more cartoon-inspired street art that kids will love!

Tai O – Nostalgic murals

It’s the little touches of murals outside schools and shops that make this sleepy fishing village even more nostalgic. There are a total of about seven murals and one that needs to be checked out, is the perspective art that is of Tai O itself (pictured above) – you and the kids can act like you’re standing on a fishing boat, looking for the catch of the day, super fun!

Read More: Tai O Fishing Village: Family Restaurants, Hikes And More

The post Hong Kong’s Street Art And Graffiti Scene: What To See & Where To Go appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Let’s imagine this hypothetical scenario. You’re at home, and your young daughter or son comes up to you. They’re holding back tears, and you know that something is wrong. “What happened, honey?” You ask gently. Your kid looks down, sniffles, and says, “Benny called me ‘fat’.” Your first instinct is to feel annoyed at Benny (that kid, AGAIN) and your next is to enter reassurance mode. “You’re not fat, you’re beautiful, honey!”

For most parents, the conversation stops there. After the tears are wiped and the hasty reassurance phrase is given, no more words are exchanged about the deeper issue undergirding this moment that made your child cry: the impossible expectations that they have, or are beginning to develop about food, their bodies and themselves.  

Read More: Child Psychologists, Counsellors And Therapists For Children In Hong Kong

Hong Kong culture and body image

While body image and eating concerns affect young people globally,¹ there seem to be two unique characteristics of Hong Kong culture that can affect how young people relate to food and their bodies. First, the impatient nature of Hong Kong society increases the appeal of fad diets and quick fixes. That is, given that our society is obsessed with speedy achievement and success, it really comes as no surprise that diet products and gym packages promising 10-pound weight drops in seven days sell so well. Second, images promoting very narrow standards are absolutely everywhere – most of our MTR stations are plastered with poster after poster of photoshopped, hairless, poreless, impossibly thin women or chiselled men.

These images have become such normalised parts of our lives that despite their potent potential for harm – that is their ability to rigidly constrain what we believe our bodies “should” look like and to spark emotions of guilt and shame when we’re unable to meet idealised appearance standards – it’s likely that few of us have ever stopped to question the messages that these images impart.

Read More: 10 Practical Tips To Improve Your Mental Health

It’s time to ask some serious questions

Parents are incredibly well-positioned to prepare young people to examine diet culture messaging with a curious and critical eye.

“There is no perfect way to start a conversation about body image, and often, the first ones we have will be awkward, uncomfortable, and difficult.”

But it is also through having these conversations that we start connecting meaningfully with each other — realising that sharing the load of our worries builds rather than breaks relationships.

Read More: How To Recognise And Prevent Sexual Abuse

So, how do you go beyond “beautiful”?

Once you get through the initial discomfort and into the territory of regular, open discussions about body image, you begin to foster a safe space for sharing. In being willing to have these candid conversations, we show our children that we’re here to hear them as they navigate their worries about food, body, and self. 

Let’s explore three practical ways to get started.

Read More: Mental Health For Kids: How To Start The Conversation

Reflect on what you believe about your body

When it comes to starting conversations about body image with your kids, your first concern might be how your kid will react. You might wonder to yourself, “How can I make this conversation less distressing for them? What if they don’t want to open up to me?” But here, it’s important to remember that conversations are a dance – they involve introspection, preparation and engagement from both conversation partners.

In other words, it’s worth noting that your ability to reflect on your own thoughts, beliefs and behaviours surrounding your body is just as, if not more crucial than thinking ahead about how your child might respond. Practically speaking, you can prepare yourself to share how you feel about your body as a way to prompt your child to share their experiences too. You can reflect on how your own beliefs about body image — for example negative feelings you might harbour toward your body or the ways you feel you “should” be exercising or eating — might impact the ways you interpret your child’s words and how you subsequently respond to them.

Importantly, you don’t have to expect yourself to role model the ‘perfect’ relationship with food and body (it doesn’t even exist!). Instead, keep in mind that the most powerful thing you can do is to model openness, vulnerability and compassion as you engage in this conversation with your child.

Read More: Midweek Meals — Three Staple Recipes Your Teenager Can Master

Instead of telling your kid what they “are” or “are not”, help them explore what they “can be”

Remember the story about Benny that I shared at the start? Remember how the mum in that story reassured her child that they weren’t fat; that they were beautiful instead?

“Not only does this response send the message that being fat cannot also be beautiful (thus communicating narrow standards for how beauty is defined), it also effectively shuts down the conversation because it denotes what your child “should” believe about themselves.”

Another way to navigate a situation where a child comes to you with a question or concern about their bodies is to help your child explore what the experience means to them. Some helpful phrases include: “Can you tell me more about how being called ‘fat’ made you feel?” and “I hear that you felt hurt when Benny called you ‘fat’. Can you tell me more about why this comment felt hurtful?”

Read More: Where To Volunteer In Hong Kong

Leave the door open for future conversations.

At the end of the conversation, clearly communicate that this is a pause, rather than an end to the dialogue about body image in your household. You can do this by thanking your child for sharing their experiences and feelings with you (“Thank you for our conversation today. I really loved hearing your thoughts and feelings about this topic”). You can also end the conversation by acknowledging points of disagreement or misunderstanding and express interest in continuing to explore these points in future conversations (“I know that there were points that we didn’t completely agree on, and I appreciate you navigating this conversation with me even when it felt frustrating. Let’s continue this conversation another time – I’m excited to explore this topic with you again!”).

Read More: Raising Girls Who #BreakTheBias In Hong Kong

Discussing body image isn’t easy…

Starting a conversation about body image with your child is going to be equal parts exciting and exhausting. Moments of frustration and discomfort will inevitably arise – but so will moments of relief, empathy, and mutual understanding. Use this as a reminder to persist in paving a path for continued open dialogue with the special young humans in your life. Let it remind you that powerful conversations are always so much more about intention than they are about perfection.

Editor’s Note: Learn more about how to have empowering conversations about body image by following Steph on Instagram: @_themightymunchkin_.

Read More: Women In Sport — Why You And Your Daughter Should Get Involved

References

1. Silén Y, Keski-Rahkonen A. Worldwide prevalence of DSM-5 eating disorders among young people. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2022;35(6):362-71.

The post Beyond “Beautiful”: 3 Practical Ways To Start Meaningful Conversations About Body Image appeared first on Sassy Mama.

It’s World Mental Health Day on Monday, 10 October, 2022 and this year we’d like to shine a spotlight on our kids. Everyday life can take its toll on even the toughest of adults, so it’s completely understandable that our kids also have their difficult days. Navigating friendships, school and home life can be hard to juggle and so experienced psychotherapist and counsellor Cherrie Chung, of Insight Counselling, shares three ways to help your child deal with everyday anxiety.

Read More: Child Psychologists, Counsellors And Therapists For Children In Hong Kong

Spotting Mental Health Warning Signs

It speaks to the stigma that is still attached to anxiety that you don’t “have anxiety” unless you fit the image of a nervous wreck, uninterested in doing well for oneself. It can be easy then, especially in the busyness of everyday life, to dismiss anxiety as attention-seeking behaviour in children. They can easily go through the routine of getting up, going to school and chatting with friends. But, while life might look relatively ordered, this doesn’t preclude them from experiencing anxiety that is distressing.

We often forget that anxiety serves a useful function for us, by signalling when we might be in danger and need protection. Put this way, anyone, adult or child, can experience anxiety. It’s far more accurate to define it as whenever we feel fearful, and are not sure we have the ability to cope.

Read More: Mental Health For Kids: How To Start The Conversation

This misconception leads to expectations placed on ourselves to just “be positive” and be (or at least appear to be) worry-free. We create a set of beliefs in our mind such as “There is a right way to feel in every situation” or “Uncomfortable feelings are bad and destructive”. These misguided beliefs reinforce the idea that if we cannot fix ourselves, or if we feel anything less than happy at any point, we must be inadequate. Children hear these messages and very quickly internalise them as expectations. They think they should simply know how to fix their worries or otherwise dismiss anxiety unless it is serious. By then, it will have already caused much distress in their lives.

“Learning to cope with anxiety is a skill that is developed over time, not an innate talent we’re born with.”

Very few of us were ever explicitly taught how to deal with overwhelming feelings of worry and how to cope when it strikes. As parents, our job is to teach children how to deal with their anxious feelings. By doing this, we reassure them that there is no shame in not knowing and also that it is something they are capable of learning.

Read More: Raising Calm Kids In A Crazy World

How To Help Your Child With Their Anxiety

The next time you find yourself in a situation where you feel your child needs help, consider these three things you can do to help develop their skills in coping with anxiety:

1. Notice the mind-body connection

The mind and body are inextricably connected. When we’re anxious, we might feel shaky, out of breath, nauseous or have difficulty thinking straight. In turn, the more we don’t feel well in our physical bodies, the more anxious we feel.

Help your child develop greater awareness about how their mind and body work together by observing the link between your child’s:

• Mind — The story running through their head about the anxiety-provoking situation
• Heart — How that makes them feel
• Body — How they are physically reacting

The greater the awareness, the easier it will be for them to explore ways to calm and soothe themselves.

Read More: Counselling, Psychologists And Therapists For Couples And Families In Hong Kong

2. Encourage active reflection

Taking the mind-body connection one step further, encourage your child to actively process the patterns they observe in how they react to stress and anxiety through reflection. When done actively, reflection is more than just thinking about thoughts that cross one’s mind and comes in many forms.

Active reflection is about channelling what is often a jumble of thoughts and accompanying feelings into a different form. You could try:

• Having your child keep a scrapbook or journal
• Scheduling and uninterrupted time to chat with yourself or a trusted adult

This process helps children step back and look at difficult situations objectively as well as giving them the distance to evaluate how they responded.

Tip for parents: Acknowledge your child’s reaction (without judgement!)

This active reflection gives children headspace to freely think of other possible outcomes and strategies to use in the future. When these are ideas that they have come up with themselves, they’ll be more likely to experiment with using it the next time they encounter feelings of anxiety.

Read More: Mental Health And Stress: How Your Mind Affects Your Overall Health

3. The power of language

The language used when we’re worried can determine how we choose to see and deal with it. Avoid black and white, extreme terms or blameful and critical language (to others or to ourselves) such as:

• “I always end up failing so this is definitely going to end badly.”
• “They/I just mess things up! How stupid can they/I get?”

These send a message of hopelessness and fear that it’s out of one’s control. Instead, encourage kinder and more encouraging language using statements like:

• “This feels similar to last time when things didn’t go so well. I’m going to take things slower to make sure it doesn’t end the same way again.”
• “The situation is messy at the moment. It looks like I need more time to figure this out”

These help kids understand that things can be resolved even when situations are worrisome. It also makes a difference when kids hear you frame your anxiety and stress in a more positive way. Start by noticing how you tend to talk about your own stress and anxiety and don’t be afraid of correcting and reframing things if you have to.

Read More: 10 Practical Tips To Improve Your Mental Health

The post 3 Ways To Help Your Child With Everyday Anxiety appeared first on Sassy Mama.

That first day of school is always filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, even if your little (or big!) ones are excited to see their friends and get back to a routine. It’s best to address this back to school anxiety sooner rather than later as there are a lot of unknowns for children and making the transition can be daunting. So, what can we do to ease their stress?

Read More: Get Back To School Ready With Sassy Mama

Talk With Your Kids

Establish open communication and chat about your own experiences at school – the things you loved, the friends you made and your favourite activities. Your children will love to hear about your school days and it will help them to normalise their own feelings. Encourage them to share their own worries, following up with validating statements like “I remember feeling that way too”. Avoid questions which lead them to think about their nerves like “Are you nervous?”.

Read More: 9 Books To Help Your Child Prepare For The First Day Of Kindergarten

Offer Reassurance

Make sure your children know that they can come to you with any problem and that you’ll listen to them and talk through their fears. Give them all the encouragement they need and a little more attention than usual in the run-up to the start of term. Remind them that they will make wonderful new friends and that you’re looking forward to hearing about each day when they come home.

Read More: Your Guide To Preschools, Nurseries And Kindergartens In Hong Kong

Be Patient During The First Weeks And Months

Your child might settle into school straight away or it might take them a little longer. Be patient with them and let them take as much time as they need (even if they act out, which they might), as they’ll need support in different ways at different times. Listen to what they have to say and concentrate on how to get to the end goal of enjoying school, rather than when they’ll get there.

Read More: Stationery Stores In Hong Kong: Where To Get School Supplies

Get Back To School Ready

Prepare your children for the year ahead and try to turn their back to school anxiety into excitement. Take them shopping for new stationery, files for their work, snacks and maybe even a new backpack. Get everything packed up and ready to go for the first day and put it by the front door.

Talk to your children about what they’ll be doing in their upcoming year at school and prepare them in terms of location, syllabus and teacher. If they are starting at a new school, they probably haven’t had a chance to visit the campus yet. If possible, see if they can talk to a student who is already there. This can really help to take the mystery and fear out of the experience. Since you may not be able to visit the campus in person right now, go through the school website, and show your kids virtual tours and photos of school life there.

Read More: Hong Kong School Open Days: Open Houses, School Visits And Personal Tours

Transition Your Schedule

You may need a bit of practice getting up and ready for the day after the summer break! Especially when there are early buses to catch. In the run-up to the resumption of classes, begin to move your children’s schedule into a more structured, term-time pattern. Make sure they get plenty of sleep but don’t let them sleep in too long or they will feel tired and cranky with the shock of the early morning school starts!

Read More: Schools Tool – Find the perfect school for your child

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016, updated in September 2020, and most recently updated in August 2022. 

The post Back To School Anxiety: 5 Tips For Helping Your Kids Combat Those Nerves appeared first on Sassy Mama.