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Wellbeing Information

Helping Children Find Their Calm 

At Modbury School P-6, we are dedicated to supporting our children in developing skills to regulate their emotions and feel calm throughout the school day. Research shows that consistent routines play a vital role in helping children understand expectations and feel secure, which in turn supports their emotional wellbeing. 

 

Embedding calm and proactive approaches—such as regular mindfulness activities and clear, predictable routines—empowers students to manage their emotions before challenges arise. This preventative approach is not only effective but also helps foster a safe and nurturing environment. By emphasising consistency and providing guidance ahead of time, we equip our students with lifelong skills for emotional resilience. 

 

Some suggested strategies include:

  • Having the same bedtime every night

  • A consistent 'Goodbye Routine' which they can predict

  • A light snack and 10 minutes of zero-demand straight after school - such as colouring or listening to music

  • Giving warning before transitions E.G. 'In 5 minutes we are packing up Lego'.

  • Using 'First ..... Then.....' strudcture when giving tasks: E.G. First make your bed- Then you can watch the TV.

  • 5 minutes of undivided adult attention each day

  • Questions for connection, such as 'Did something make you smile today?' rather than interrogation, such as 'What did you do in Maths?'.

  • Eat together as a family - even if only for 10 minutes

  • Soft music playing during evening wind-down times

  • Taking one deep breath together before hard moments to model regulating strategies

 

Here are some reputable resources and websites for parents seeking support to help their children regulate emotions and develop consistent calm routines:

 

  • KidsMatter (now part of Beyond Blue): Offers practical resources and tips for supporting children's mental health and wellbeing.Beyond Blue - Healthy Families

  • Raising Children Network: Provides Australian parenting information on behaviour, routines, and emotional regulation.Raising Children Network

  • Child Mind Institute: Offers articles and guidance on helping children manage emotions and develop coping strategies.Child Mind Institute

  • Headspace: Focuses on mental health and mindfulness, with tools and advice for parents and young people.Headspace

  • Smiling Mind: Free app and web-based mindfulness programs for children and families.Smiling Mind