It is important for children to be given strategies to support themselves with their mental health. Having a healthy mind means children are able to manage their emotions, deal with stress and build resilience.
We encourage positive mental health by:
Immersing ourselves in nature and the outdoors - We try to be mindful e.g. noticing the changes in season, listening to the swaying grass and finding moments of enjoyment from simple things. Allowing the children to make their own choices. By giving the children the freedom to explore.
Praise and encouragement - Practitioners are positive and encouraging, praising the children for their achievements teaching them that with a little time and effort they can achieve whatever they want. To give the children confidence to try new things and instil in them a “can do attitude”.
Positive behaviour – Every child is learning to control their emotions to gain emotional intelligence. This is where a child is able to understand their own feelings and how their actions affect others. It also involves a child developing empathy for others. It is a very complex learning process, and the children will make mistakes along the way. It is up to practitioner to teach the children
Acknowledging and Naming emotions – Practitioners talk about feelings and name emotions of the children and how they feel physically e.g. “you have tears coming down your cheeks, are you feeling sad?” or “My tummy is rumbling, I am feeling hungry” or “Jessica is hitting out because she is frustrated, she has been waiting a long time for her turn on the swing”. It is hoped that the children will use this language and share their feelings with others. Being able to share our emotions is a strength to be celebrated. When adults acknowledge emotions they teach children to listen to their feelings and share them. This shows children how to stay healthy by not being afraid to speak out and ask for support if they need it.
Giving children time to talk – showing the children that we are here for them when they have something to share with us. Listening, responding, and repeating what they say to demonstrate understanding. Acknowledging them and showing interest in what they have to say.
Celebrating similarities and differences – We try to teach the children that it is good to be you no matter if you are similar to others or very different. Everyone is special. We encourage individuality of character and differing interests.
Family and friendship – Family is anywhere you feel safe and loved. Valuing family and friendships above any material items. Positive relationships are what brings you happiness.
Connecting to community – Giving the children the skills to make new friends, confidence to join clubs and groups, to encourage helping others. All these things help children gain a sense of belonging.
Challenge – We know that each of our children are capable of great things and so have high expectations and work with children to help them reach them.
Foundations for learning – Teaching children that if you work hard, you can achieve your dreams and not to be afraid to ask for help. This supports children to aim high and to better themselves to live the life they want and deserve.
Positive mindset – To instill a glass half full mindset, through role modelling positivity “I’m sorry you spilt water on your painting, but now it looks even better, like rain drops”. Greeting children with a smile, being happy and smiley, and welcoming.
Resilience – Teaching the children to keep trying to improve on skills. When a child keeps trying then they will improve each time until they are able to do what they set out to do.
Relaxation techniques – breathing in and out, counting to 10, finding a quiet space, grounding yourself by closing your eyes and listening to what you can hear, or looking around to see how many birds you can see in the sky. Listening to music or a calming audio book.
Healthy body – drinking and eating well can help you maintain energy levels, which helps you to feel physically better, which in turn could contribute to a healthier mind.
Sleep – Encouraging healthy sleep routines as sleep helps the body and mind to rest and rejuvenate.
Choices, freedom and control over on lives – To give the children opportunity to make choices to role model that they are in control of their own destiny.
Sense of purpose – We give the children responsibility for certain tasks e.g. handing out drinks at snack time. This shows the children that they can make a contribution that is valued and important.