Emotional and Mental Wellbeing of Children and Families

Emotional and Mental Wellbeing What is Emotional and Mental Wellbeing? How people feel and how they function, both on a personal and on a social level, and how they evaluate their lives as a whole. In children Emotional wellbeing is very closely linked with children being able to communicate and interact with others in a positive way. Why is Emotional and Mental wellbeing important? Many factors are associated with emotional and mental wellbeing Self-esteem, positive attitude, a sense of control, confidence, ability to initiate and to sustain mutually satisfying personal relationships. Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. It supports children’s positive growth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUd1sVxtZ0c

Attachment Emotional bond between the child and the parent. A child’s brain is like a sponge, soaking up huge amount of info from their environment. Children develop 85% of their core brain in the first five years. So it is important to listen , read and sing to your child. Responding sensitively and appropriately to the child’s needs is important. It builds trust and gives children sense of security. Secure Attachment is where a child trusts the care giver/ parent. As a result child trusts himself and others too.

What is Attunement ? How emotionally well connected a parent/ care giver is with their child ( Empathy ). Why is attunement important with children? Attunement affects brain development- During interactions characterised by attunement, parent and the child match nueral activity in the right part of the brain. It helps infants/ children to manage stress. It is critical for later emotional regulation.

Supporting children’s emotional and mental wellbeing What can parents do? Unconditional love from family, attention, understanding feelings, accepting and valuing your child, encourage them to talk about feelings, opportunity to play with other children, safe and secure surroundings, appropriate guidance and boundaries. What can the school do? Encouragement from teachers, telling children it’s ok to talk about emotional challenges and help children find solutions.

Dealing with a child’s emotions 4 steps to dealing with a child’s emotions Adult recognises the emotion Adult names the emotion for the child Adult provides some comfort Adult offers a solution

Social Media, Electronic devices (Advantages and disadvantages) Disadvantages- Emotional disconnection, bad posture, over usage is harmful for eye sight, bullying, isolation, stress, anxiety, depression. Spend quality time with children- Play Board games, different games and activities to encourage attunement, bonding and coordination Activities to help children to learn team work and problem solving skills are encouraged.