In the heart of winter, when the days are short and the nights long, there emerges a unique opportunity to kindle warmth and connection. Brew Monday, traditionally the third Monday of January, historically dubbed as 'Blue Monday' due to its association with post-holiday blues, is being reimagined as a day for positive action.

It’s a day to brew up a pot of tea, share a conversation, and foster connections. For families and educators, this is an opportune moment to engage with children in activities that promote mental wellbeing and togetherness.

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The Significance of Brew Monday

Brew Monday shines a light on the importance of small acts of kindness and the power of a simple conversation over a cup of tea. In the context of children’s mental wellbeing, this day becomes a springboard for meaningful interactions, teaching them the value of connection, communication, and community.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Brew Monday.

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Creating a Warm Atmosphere

Tea Party with a Twist: Organise a tea party for children, whether at home or in the classroom. Let them choose their favorite teas or hot beverages. This simple activity can provide a relaxed environment for open conversations and storytelling.

Storytelling Sessions: Use this time to share stories that emphasise kindness, empathy, and understanding. Stories can be a powerful medium to teach children about emotions and how to express them.

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Encouraging Open Communication

Open communication is key to understanding a child’s thoughts and feelings. Brew Monday can be a starting point for regular conversations about mental wellbeing.

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Conversation Starters: Prepare a jar of conversation starters. These can be simple questions like, “What made you smile today?” or “What is something new you would like to try?”

Listening Activities: Teach children the importance of listening through games and activities. This can help them understand how to be attentive and empathetic listeners in conversations.

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Activities to Foster Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is crucial for children’s mental health. Brew Monday can be used to engage in activities that boost emotional understanding and self-awareness.

Emotion Cards: Create emotion cards with different feelings illustrated. Children can pick a card and talk about a time they felt that emotion, helping them to recognise and articulate their feelings.   (Alternatively you could use the Happy Heads Card Game)

Role-Playing: Use role-play to act out various scenarios. This can help children learn to navigate different social situations and understand others’ perspectives.

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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Introducing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be particularly beneficial in creating a calm and reflective space for children.

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Mindful Sipping: Teach children to enjoy their tea mindfully, focusing on the senses – the warmth of the cup, the aroma, the taste. This can be a simple introduction to mindfulness.

Breathing Exercises: Pair the tea party with a breathing exercise. Teach children to take deep breaths, helping them relax and focus on the present moment.

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Building a Supportive Community

Brew Monday is not just about individual connections but also about fostering a sense of community. Involving the wider community can enhance the sense of belonging and support.

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Involve the Community: Extend the tea party invitation to neighbors, local community leaders, or family friends. This can provide children with a sense of being part of a larger, caring community. 

Community Service Projects: Organise a community service project, such as a neighborhood clean-up or a visit to a local nursing home. Engaging in acts of kindness can boost children’s mental wellbeing.

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The Role of Educators and Parents

Parents and educators play a vital role in setting the tone for Brew Monday. Their involvement and enthusiasm can significantly impact the success of the activities and the lessons imparted.

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Modeling Behavior: Children learn by example. By engaging in meaningful conversations and showing empathy, adults can model positive social behavior.

Creating Inclusive Environments: Ensure that every child feels included and valued during Brew Monday activities. An inclusive environment allows children to feel safe and encourages them to participate.

Integrating Brew Monday into the Curriculum

For educators, Brew Monday can be integrated into the curriculum in various creative ways.

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Art Projects: Encourage children to create art that reflects themes of togetherness, friendship, and kindness.

Writing Activities: Assign writing activities like poems or essays on topics related to mental wellbeing, connection, or gratitude.

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Follow-up Activities

To keep the momentum of Brew Monday going, plan follow-up activities throughout the year.

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Regular Check-ins: Establish regular times when children can share their thoughts and feelings, continuing the practice of open communication.

Ongoing Projects: Continue with community service projects or group activities that were initiated on Brew Monday, reinforcing the concepts of community and kindness.

A Stepping Stone to Mental Wellbeing

Brew Monday serves as more than just a day of warm beverages and conversation; it is a stepping stone toward fostering long-term mental wellbeing in children. By creating opportunities for open communication, teaching emotional intelligence, and building a supportive community, we can guide children in developing the skills necessary to navigate their emotions and the world around them with confidence and empathy. As we embrace Brew Monday, let us commit to making every day an opportunity to brew connections and nurture the mental health of our children.