ROYAL FAMILY
Kate Middleton nurtures the next generation through arts and crafts
The Princess of Wales is following through with her efforts to facilitate wellbeing in the next generation with another hands-on appearance — this time at a primary school.
As an ambassador of children’s mental health, Kate Middleton kicked off Children’s Mental Health Week by making true efforts to connect with and encourage young children, talking to them about their feelings over arts and crafts.
Princess Kate advocates for the first five years of children’s lives, pointing out wide psychological research that this is the most critical period for them.
Unfortunately, as the Princess points out, many children are neglected during this time for a variety of reasons.
In response to the concern the Princess has for children at the vulnerable age, the mother of three has started several initiatives, including ‘Shaping Us’ and ‘Let’s Connect’.
The ‘Let’s Connect’ mission
The Duchess of Cambridge’s most recent mission ground was the St. John’s Primary School in Bethnal Green, where she joined students during craft time.
The video, released on Sunday, captured the scene. Wearing an apron, the 41-year-old Princess sat down among the students and asked them about the importance of family and friends.
Princess Kate thanked the students for their time and encouraged them to talk about their own feelings, as well as ask their friends about theirs.
“Thank you for having a chat with me today, and keep talking about your feelings and keep asking others how they’re doing and helping them to talk about their feelings as well.”
The students’ take on Princess Kate
The students responded well to the Princess and took turns answering her questions. One student said that connecting with loved ones helps to release emotions, to which the Princess replied encouragingly.
“Absolutely,” Princess Kate said. “And it helps you feel part of things, doesn’t it? Makes you feel like you’ve got relationships and people in your life that matter.”
Observing an opportunity to talk constructively about the difficult emotion of anger, Princess Kate asked the children what they do when they start to feel upset about something that happened to them.
“I like to take deep breaths, and I drink a glass of water,” a student piped up, to which the Princess responded, “It’s a really great idea.”
Kate speaks about her visit
Kate Middleton addressed the camera and spoke about the work she was doing and her experience visiting the school.
“I’m delighted to be supporting Children’s Mental Health Week yet again, and it’s lovely to be here at St. John’s Primary School,” The Princess said. “It’s been wonderful to speak to so many children here about the importance of connections and the important people in their lives too.”
“I’m a firm believer in giving children the skills that they need for life and focusing on their social and emotional development.”