Five key ways parents can help to build their children’s wellbeing skills
With happiness and good health at the top of the list for what parents at our early learning centres want most for their children, Niño Early Learning Adventures’ Positive Education Framework is providing support to help build children’s wellbeing skills.
Whilst parents hold these hopes and aspirations, there are increasing levels of stress and mental health issues in younger children, with recent statistics revealing one in seven children aged 4-17 experiences mental health issues.
As experienced early learning professionals at Niño ELA, we believe that building the skills and mindsets that help children cope with the challenges throughout their lives is an essential part of the early year’s curriculum. Developing a strong sense of wellbeing lays the foundation for a successful start to school and improved outcomes later in life.
Niño ELA’s curriculum is grounded in Positive Education, blending the science of positive psychology with best teaching practices supporting children to flourish. Through our curriculum, children learn skills to strengthen relationships, cultivate positive emotions, build resilience, practice mindfulness, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Following are five key ways parents can help to build their children’s wellbeing skills:
1. Building Resilience
Resilience is the ability to grow through challenges and bounce back from adversity. Our educational and enhancement programs provide children with many opportunities for personal challenge, problem solving, exploration of their creative and critical-thinking skills which support children in building resilience and self-confidence.
For parents, encouraging children to identify and express their feelings in a positive way helps develop the skills required to manage them. Behind every behaviour is a feeling – helping children to identify and name the feeling allows them to develop an emotional vocabulary to talk about their feelings. Talking through any issues your child may be dealing with and encouraging them to brainstorm to find solutions will support in building resilience and self-assurance.
2. Grit (Perseverance)
Beyond the natural abilities we are born with, research shows that grit is even more important for predicting success; it is the drive and attitude that lets us ‘hang in there’ and persevere when faced with obstacles.
We encourage children to develop perseverance and a “can-do” attitude by creating opportunities for them to overcome challenges and keep trying. Engaging in experiences such as construction and project work, and exploring outdoor activities such as climbing equipment allows children to challenge their capabilities with risk taking, practice resilience and problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.
At Niño ELA we offer opportunities for children to test their abilities, adapt to setbacks, and ultimately gain confidence in their capabilities as they succeed through repeated effort.
For parents, when confronted by statements like “I can’t…” and “I am not able…” remember the word YET – “you are not able to YET – but let’s keep practicing and you will get there”.
3. Gratitude
Gratitude is considered an essential part of building happiness and it has been shown to produce long lasting positivity. Cultivating gratitude helps people appreciate and notice the good things in life.
We use mealtimes to encourage open conversations with the children about the elements of their day and interactions with friends that they have enjoyed and are thankful for.
For parents, role modelling gratitude is essential – expressing gratitude through words, small gifts or reciprocal acts are all ways to teach children how to become grateful. Daily habits, such as mealtime conversations about the things we are grateful for helps children to reflect positively on their interactions and relationships. Role-modelling gratitude to your child is the most effective way of encouraging your child to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, this can be through helping someone less fortunate or complementing others through sharing the things that you appreciate about the other person.
4. Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps to decrease negative emotions such as anxiety and worry, improving emotional regulation, leading to better moods. It is the practice of cultivating awareness, the aim of which is to be aware, present and focussed.
Since implementing mindful meditation sessions in our centres, our teachers have noticed an improvement in children’s concentration, focus and ability to self-regulate.
For parents, start with small elements, gradually building over time – small pauses; slowing down to create quiet spaces; appreciating nature and beauty; creating quiet and calming bedtime rituals. Allow opportunities for children to explore at their own pace, role modelling this by creating time in your own schedule free time to discover and be mindful naturally.
5. Health
The connections between what we eat, physical activity and lifelong health are well known. Teaching children the skills and attitudes that underpin good food and exercise choices is essential.
We encourage children to make their own food choices, discussing their choices and selections. We feature kitchen gardens tended by the chef and the children, creating the garden to plate link, and encourage outdoor and physical activities such as yoga, taekwondo and dancing.
For parents, talk about food choices, encourage children to get involved in the meal preparation, and to live active lives – ride, cycle, walk, climb – channel your inner child and make the time to play actively with them.
Self-care for Parents/Guardians: Prioritising Your Health and Wellbeing
To be the best caregivers for their children and families, parents must prioritise their own physical, emotional, and mental health. Just as we nurture the growth and development of our children, we must also invest in our own health and wellbeing, as this directly impacts our ability to care for others with patience and energy.
A powerful way to encourage healthy habits in children is by leading through example. Children often look to their parents/guardians as role models, so demonstrating an active, balanced lifestyle helps them understand the importance of self-care from a young age. Parents can take small steps to incorporate self-care into their daily routine, showing that it’s not just a luxury, but a necessity.
Start with manageable goals – even just 15 minutes a day of physical activity can make a difference. Whether it’s going for a walk, doing a short workout, or engaging in a fun family exercise activity, creating time for movement is essential. Family workouts or outdoor playtime not only boost physical health but also create bonding experiences.
In addition to physical activity, parents should also carve out moments for mental health and well-being. Introducing mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or quiet reading time, can help both parents and children feel more centered and relaxed. Creating these peaceful spaces together can promote emotional connection and help manage stress.
Remember, self-care isn’t just about exercising or eating well. It’s also about creating balance in life—setting boundaries, seeking support when needed, taking time for hobbies, and ensuring restful sleep. Parents/Guardians who take care of themselves model the importance of self-love and personal boundaries, fostering resilience and overall health for both themselves and their families.
