Milton Keynes charity promotes family exercises for Children's Mental Health Week

This year's Children's Mental Health week runs from February 1 until February 7, with virtual events planned around this year's theme: express yourself.

In acknowledgement of Children's Mental Health Week, the national event designed to raise discussions around children's mental wellbeing, Parks Trust has arranged the following activities for families to try out.

Firstly, the charity has a 'how to guide' on 'forest bathing' encouraging families to try out the Japanese stress relief activity. These calming techniques based on 'Shinrin-yoku' the Japanese art designed to make you more at one with nature, could act as a garden activity on a homeschooling break or form part of your daily exercise.

The Parks Trust also want Milton Keynes families to get involved with their 'bring the outdoors in' activities. These activities include leaf painting, creating homemade suncatchers and ideas for colour wheels.

A spokesperson for the Parks Trust said: "As adults, we know that getting outdoors can do wonders for our mental health. A walk with the dog, a jog with a friend or just sitting amongst the trees can make us feel calmer and help us to reconnect with nature. The same goes for our children."

The Parks Trust believe forest bathing could provide an opportunity to raise discussion on the importance of nature between parents and children. The spokesperson added: "It might give you a chance to talk about how it makes you feel and spark conversation about how they are feeling, or just give you all some quiet time to enjoy."