Expert tips to foster positive mental wellbeing in young children

Here are some handy techniques that you can use to encourage a healthy, happy frame of mind in your little one.

It’s important to address mental wellbeing in early learners from as young as six months of age, as children continue to adapt to the new normal in this post-pandemic era. Early childhood experiences structure the architecture of the developing brain and lay the foundations of a healthy mind in young kids.

THE ROLE OF NURSERY

Louisa McCormack, Principal of Ladybird Nursery Al Barsha says, “we prioritise mental wellbeing and curate teaching methodologies to nurture young minds. Through our Montessori approach, we empower our children to be curious to learn, with engaging activities that foster positive mental wellbeing, while developing independent and confident learners.”  While encouraging positive mental wellbeing begins at home with parents, it is good to make sure these themes are being reinforced at your child’s nursery, at Ladybird or elsewhere.

PARENTING TECHNIQUES

While nursery is an important aspect of encouraging positive mental wellbeing in young children, parenting is even more vital. Here are some handy tips that will help you do just that!

Preparation

It is key to prepare children for events and things that will happen. It’s a good idea for parents to speak to their children before entering a new environment. Informing your child about what is going to happen and what to expect ensures they are mentally prepared and therefore, less scared of the unknown.

Giving kids the opportunity to talk

It’s wise for parents and teachers to empower children by giving them the opportunity to express their feelings. A child’s response can give you a better understanding of whether they are happy or not and allows you to tailor your approach based on your little one’s answers. The insight into their interests, likes and dislikes enables you to focus on activities that suit their individual personality, meaning your child is positively motivated to learn and be curious.

Speak in the right way

Using age-appropriate language helps kids to discuss thoughts and feelings in a way that they can process and understand. It means you can chat through things that might be coming up at nursery or incidents that happened during play. Keeping the lines of communication open in a way that suits your child’s age will ensure that they approach life more smoothly and can talk to you if there is a problem.

Use visual cues

Children often experience anxiety whilst in transition, be it from home to nursery or even moving from one area to another. Parents can use visual cues to ensure there are no uncertainties that may frustrate early learners. Items such as a visual timetable or chores chart help children to see what they need to do, where they are headed and when they will be back, all of which brings kids a grounding level of reassurance.

With these tips and techniques you should be able to create a positive and safe environment for your child to grow and learn, which will ensure that they are mentally equipped to deal with the pressures of the outside world.