Section 8: Supporting children’s mental health 8.2 What helps children stay happy and hopeful In children’s free-text responses, one of the major themes was the importance of support for mental health provided by parents and extended family members, such as grandparents. In response to how children’s families supported their mental health and wellbeing, children stated: In the survey, children were asked to indicate what helped them stay happy and hopeful over the last two years, from a list of 14 statements. Of 3,528 responses, the top three items most commonly selected were: 1. Support of my parents and family 2. Contact with friends Parents/guardians and grandparents raised the value of regular conversations within the family as being an important way to support children. Helping their children to maintain social contact with friends and family was also seen as very important for mental health and wellbeing by many parents/guardians and grandparents. Even when they could not see their extended family in person, many discussed how important it was to keep their children connected, and to be open to talking about feelings and concerns: I trie d activit to arrange ie m play d s w ith frie ore ates e n ds tc mainta in go o . Tr y to despit d e casu ro utines al infl w o rk e in hea lthcar xible e. —Mot her, S in cking e h c , time ng Family gs an d bei sing n i l us on fee ionate. Disc ening p ss co mpa hat are hap t ok things t we can lo a an d th to. LD rd her, Q forwa —Mot Talking an d ask in questio ns. Ope g n co m mun ication. No ju dgem ent. A 3. Using technology for things like games and social media Figure 23: Children’s survey: who or what helped you to stay feeling happy and hopeful over the last two years? select all that apply 2402 Support of my parents and family 2212 Contact with friends Using technology for things like games and social media 2013 1966 Listening to or playing music Being creative, like painting or drawing 1659 Spending time with pets 1625 1073 Daily exercise 1021 Keeping connected to my school Good relationships with other trusted adults 823 Having planned activities everyday 757 Having enough money to meet my needs 632 421 Something else Being able to use phone and online services, like Kids Helpline There was nothing that helped me to stay feeling happy and hopeful 285 145 —Moth er, Abor igin and/or Torres S al t Islander rait , NSW 90 | ‘Mental health shapes my life’: COVID-19 & kids’ wellbeing • 2022 | 91