Wellbeing is a state of being comfortable, healthy or happy. It relates to our physical, mental and emotional health.
Our children observe us closely – to be the role models of wellbeing, promoting and displaying the qualities above for our children, we first need to look after ourselves. The Australian Institute of Family Studies says that Children’s social-emotional wellbeing is promoted when parents receive support to achieve and maintain good mental health, and to implement warm and consistent parenting practices, especially during difficult circumstances.
Difficult and changed circumstances: that sounds like what we have all experienced over this year. Are we looking after ourselves or just managing to negotiate our way through each day? Think about what we are doing to support our own wellbeing…Remember – the children are watching………
Pathways to wellbeing
• Look after yourself – staying active, eating healthy food, getting as much rest as you can
• Connect with your children – be present and value your time together
• Be active, share real time and experiences
• Take notice – “read” their feelings and observe their thinking and actions
• Learn together, communicate with each other
• Share your genuine, unhurried time and support – children need you when they need you, but the good news is it’s a two-way street –what’s good for them is also good for you.
As parents we all wish for happy children who grow and learn to the best of their ability. Children’s level of wellbeing changes with development and growth and can be affected by changes in schools, family circumstances and notably by the continuing COVID19 conditions. For children of all ages, mental health and wellbeing is dependent on their social and emotional wellbeing.
Socially and emotionally competent children demonstrate confidence, persistence, and good communication, an ability to forge relationships with peers and adults and optimism in the real and digital space. Our role as parents is to support as best we can while juggling all the other demands of life. The schools are also doing their part to promote the wellbeing of all our children.
You may be interested in reading what the NSW Education website says about wellbeing….
https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/whole-school-approach/wellbeing-framework-forschools
If your child’s behaviour, eating or sleeping habits have changed, or is having difficulty at school or is unusually sad, consult your child’s teacher and the school as a first step.
Our children are resilient but need our presence, example, our health and wellbeing to thrive.
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela
Mary Digges *
MDR Education
Early Childhood Consultant for Angsana Education.
* Mary Digges is an early childhood teacher, lecturer, trainer, assessor and consultant in education and has long promoted bilingual and multilingual education. Mary has worked in Australia, Singapore and China.
References
The Australian Institute of Family Studies:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
The Wellbeing of Young Australians:
Looking after your child’s wellbeing:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/family-health/Pages/your-childs-wellbeing.aspx
Parents Mental Health and Wellbeing
What are we worried about? October 2019
https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/what-are-21st-century-parents-concerned-about\
