Five Ways We Can Support Children’s Wellbeing

Covid-19 has dispropotionately affected children and young people. As we emerge from the crisis, here’s a list of simple activities that can help build children’s wellbeing and boost their mood.

LISTEN

The more we listen, the better our relationship becomes. Listening to children with an open heart and mind gives them a chance to have their voices heard and to be understood. It lets them know it’s safe for them to share their concerns without being judged.

Listening, not solving, gives children a chance to work through their feelings and come up with their own solutions. When we really listen to a children they know they are valued and this helps to support their self-esteem which supports their wellbeing. When this groundwork is set children are free to share what’s going on in their lives.

PLAY MAKE US HAPPY

​From a child’s perspective, play is at the heart of everyday things that matter to them. It’s also a natural antidote to stress or worry. Play is a way for children to make sense of the world and process what is happening around them. Play is so important to the healthy development of children it is recognised as Right by the United Nations High Commission.

MOVEMENT IN MIND

Dance, run, hop, skip, wiggle. It doesn’t matter what it is, just move because when children move it helps to reduces stress. Movement releases a natural happiness hormones that can reduce anxiety and improve emotional wellbeing. When kids have fun being active, they’re more likely to want do it again..and again. What are you waiting for? Crank up the tunes and dance like nobody’s watching.

MAKING

Making things with our hands boosts our mood and it helps focus and centre children’s attention. When a child is baking a cake, digging or getting creative with sticks and string it’s hard for them to worry about anything else. This hand-brain connection helps to relieve stress and research shows it even helps the brain change and adapt. Wow.

LAUGH OFTEN

There’s a popular saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” Science actually backs up this statement and there are many studies that prove laughter has a positive effect on mental wellbeing. It’s a great way to relieve emotional tension especially for children. It physically makes us feel safer by lowering our heart rate and relaxing our muscles. Laughter also releases “feel good” chemicals and when kids feel good it can change how they think about things. It’s a great way to get perspective and it’s fun too.

These are just a few ways you can support children’s wellbeing in day-to-day life. But what do you think? What other things would you suggest doing to promote child wellness? Let us know on our social media channels so we can share your tips with others too.

Additional Information and Resources

Laughter, Trauma and Building Resilience