Family Links believes that emotional health is a human right and that it is the foundation for achievement and happiness. They work to empower children, parents, families, schools and workplaces to prioritise positive emotional health, by delivering innovative, high quality training to health and social care services, third sector organisations, schools and universities. The Palace described the visit as an opportunity for Kate to "see how Family Links works closely with schools nationwide to support both children and parents with their emotional health and wellbeing, with an emphasis on early intervention."
During the Royal Foundation Forum last week Kate revealed she plans to continue focusing on mental health and early intervention. She credited the experts she's met along the way with playing a role in her parenting style. "I've learned a huge amount from the patronages I've worked with but also from the amazing experts I met along the way and you know, you can't help but then reflect on your own life. It's definitely had an impact on how I mother, how we work as a family and how we hope to bring up our children."
Kate was greeted by teachers and representatives from Family Links.
The Duchess met nine-month-old Tilly.
A video from Victoria Murphy.
The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Pegasus Primary School in Oxford and is greeted by nine-month-old Tillie pic.twitter.com/yAu9UthgsK— Victoria Murphy (@QueenVicMirror) March 6, 2018
The charity's Nurturing Programme, which underpins all of their work, was designed to help adults understand and manage feelings and behaviour and become more positive and nurturing in their relationships with children and each other. American child psychologist Dr Stephen J Bavolek developed the programme in the 1970s. Bavolek researched dysfunctional and abusive family interactions; he identified destructive parental behaviour patterns and developed the Nurturing Programme to counter these. As the building blocks of emotional health and relationship skills, the programme uses the Four Constructs; self-awareness, appropriate expectations, positive discipline and empathy.
During the visit, the Duchess met parents and heard more about how their families have overcome challenges with the support of Family Links.
Kate also joined a Year Two class during 'Circle Time', an activity session which encourages pupils to share their thoughts on a range of topics, including how to support a classmate if they are being bullied, or how to cope with a stressful situation.
HRH chats to students Jodie, Zhara and Emelia about how 'Circle Time' helps them to talk about difficult issues and support their classmates. pic.twitter.com/Eu5qzsSyf4— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 6, 2018
Finally, the Duchess attended a roundtable discussion with Family Links on the importance of supporting families during a child's early years.
More from the Mail Online:'Jodie said the group discussions they had in school – so-called Circle Time – about their emotions made it made it easier to deal with their problems. It helps us get all our emotions out so we don't feel all bottled up,' she explained. 'You don't think about it so much. You tell someone, and when you've told someone it makes you feel a lot better. It helps us focus on our work, and not think about it for the rest of the day. I am so used to sharing my emotions now, because I trust everyone.'
Zhara added: 'It is very important, because otherwise you just cannot focus properly. It is not good to keep yourself bottled up. It can cause problems at home as well. If you can solve your problem at school, it will be OK when you go home.'
The Duchess told them: 'I am very impressed by all of you. Having met lots of grown-ups who have not had this opportunity to speak about their feelings and emotions, you are setting yourself up for a fantastic start in life.'
More from The Mirror:
Kate told students: "Keep up the hard work. It was very nice to meet you as well.
"Good luck. Say hi to your mums and dads."
Jodie said his nan was excited to hear Kate was coming to the school, and told Kate: "I'll tell her you said hi."
Kate replied: "She should be very proud of you, so well done."
According to the Mail, Kate described having emotional support ingrained in the ethos of the school as "pretty unusual but absolutely fantastic". She added there's so much focus on academic achievement but "so much of their life and social skills are built through this".
Before departing, Kate was given a special gift for George, Charlotte and their little brother or sister. People reports:
Kate was also presented with a book of lullabies, addressed to “Prince George, Princess Charlotte and the New Royal Baby.”
The Duchess brought back one of her most stylish maternity coats today; the cream JoJo Maman Bebe piece she wore for a visit to the set of Downton Abbey in 2015 when she was expecting Princess Charlotte.
The appropriately named Princess Wool Coat is described as "a great investment piece for your maternity wardrobe". The wool-mix fabric gives it a luxurious, cosy feel. The collarless garment features front slant slip pockets, tonal topstitching and panel seaming. It's available in limited sizing at Amazon.
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| JoJo Maman Bebe |
Kate accessorised with her Annoushka pearls and Kiki McDonough hoops.
Kate carried her brown suede Emmy clutch.
And brown suede pumps.
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Also today, news of a calendar update for Kate, William and several members of the royal family. On Monday, 12 March, Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle, the Duke of York, the Princess Royal, the Countess of Wessex, the Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra will attend the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day. Organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, it is the largest annual inter-faith gathering in the United Kingdom. The service will be broadcast live on BBC One and across BBC World Service, in celebration of Her Majesty's lifetime commitment to the Commonwealth. Below, members of the BRF at the 2016 service.
Finally, Kate's much loved Monsoon Fleur wedges have been re-released in an updated style called the Eva (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style). The £45 wedges are described as "Jute soles bring an espadrille-like feel to our Eva wedges. In sumptuous suedette, this stylish design strikes the perfect balance of smart and casual." They are available in nude and navy. Below, we see Kate wearing her Fleur pair beside the new Eva style, they look exactly the same apart from the colour.
Tomorrow, The Duchess of Cambridge will officially open the new headquarters of children's mental health charity Place2Be in London.
