06/08/2026
⚽️🏅As parents we are quick to encourage our children to go along to sports clubs from very young ages and here in the Peebles area we are lucky to have so many fantastic opportunities - cycling, swimming, sporty kids, football, rugby, netball, hockey, golf, gymnastics, dance, pilates, athletics, cricket, tennis, judo… the list goes on. These clubs all have essential benefits for our children’s development as well as physical and mental health.
💙But I feel we need to start to focus even more on mental health. According to Children’s Health Scotland, over 1 in 5 children aged 8 to 16 experience mental health problems, and self-harm rates among older youths remain a major concern.
As a parent of 10 and 13 year olds this terrifies me. And as much as I fully agree sport and clubs are so important for our mental health (a section of BREATHE sessions is exercise and my own child goes to several clubs) I also believe sport’s not for everyone, competition is not for everyone, and even those who do love sport need time to relax and learn to look after their wellbeing.
🍃BREATHE classes are not only for children who struggle with regulation, those undergoing referrals to or getting diagnosis from CAMHS or those who struggle socially.
Yes the sessions absolutely benefit those children, but can actually be even more beneficial for those who don’t struggle socially or with big emotions but have busy schedules and need time to unwind and switch off through mindful games, crafts, exercise and relaxation.
🥰All children and teens benefit from some relaxation and mindfulness built into their day.
All children and teens are learning how to manage their emotions (even those who don’t have outbursts). Because emotions are not negative. All emotions are ok and include joy and excitement!
🍃I became a BREATHE coach after seeing the wonderful work Pauline did within my school helping children build their emotional literacy and believe this approach is so important for all young people.
📲Contact me today for information or to book your child, pre-teen, young teen or club if you run one in for a class or session.
