AT this time of year, it can be common for us to feel a little less positive. With shorter, darker days and cold, wet weather, it’s easy to understand why a lot of people find themselves slipping into more negative moods and mindsets.

Those feelings aren’t unique to adults either, as children might find their mental and emotional health tested during the winter, and these remain among the top reasons that young people contact the NSPCC’s Childline service.

On average, around two children contact Childline every minute. Our counsellors answer every call and message they can to offer guidance and support.

But there are also pages of advice, games and activities on the Childline website which can be equally useful for young people who find themselves in a low mood and would prefer not to speak with a counsellor. The website has a Toolbox of games and activities designed to help young people let out their feelings through creativity or watch videos with guidance around topics that might concern them. One of the online tools we’d recommend is a Mood Journal. Like a diary, it’s a way to keep track of your feelings and events you’re experiencing and it can help children spot patterns in their moods and understand their feelings. By writing down the positive things too, they can be reminded that there are times when things go well too, and be proud of their achievements or of trying new things.

There’s also a games section designed to help boost a young person’s mood. They can select a couple of options which describe their favourite things, then play a game of pinball. The prize for completing a game is a list of suggestions offering things to do to help them feel better. The website also has a moderated message board area, where children can speak to each other about what they’re feeling or experiencing. Our counsellors are also available through the website.

There’s no one size fits all solution to improving mental or emotional wellbeing; what boosts one young person’s mood might not work for the next. What’s important is that young people know there are options to explore, whether speaking to a counsellor on the phone, taking part in games and activities on the website, or speaking to a parent, carer or trusted adult. If you're worried about your child’s emotional or mental health as the days get darker, let them know they can speak to you about anything bothering them. If they don’t want to talk to you let them know there are other avenues to explore.

It could also be worth taking a look at the Childline website together, to see what might work for them.