Chaplain's Spot
10 Things All Children Need to Support Good Mental Health
I recently discovered this article, and thought I would like to share it with everyone in our school community. It is an Australian based article, so it is most relevant to us all. We all want the best for our children, for their well-being, for their future development. It is helpful for us to hear from experts. Feel free to click on the link to this article.
https://www.kidsclubchildcare.com.au/10-things-all-children-need-to-support-good-mental-health/
“Children experience much of their world through the lens of how they think and feel about themselves, which can dictate how well they navigate challenges, social relationships, schooling, and the stresses associated with growing up. Parents are accustomed to anticipating and caring for their child’s physical needs, but the care and nurturing of a child’s mental health requires a different approach.
Good mental health is especially important for children, as a solid, positive foundation of emotional well-being helps children to develop and progress throughout their lives in a healthy way. Here are 10 things every child needs for their mental health to better ensure happy, secure growth.
1. Adequate Sleep and Nutrition: It’s far more challenging to maintain a sense of composure and well-being when hungry, tired, or undernourished. Children’s mental health relies on a host of physical inputs, and it’s no surprise when a fatigued, dehydrated, or famished child exhibits symptoms of anxiety or unhappiness.
2. Opportunities for Play: Children come to understand the world through play. During playtime, children develop relational understanding, creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-control. Playtime, whether role-playing with friends or solving a puzzle, serves kids mental health by providing a fun, safe outlet for self-expression, exploration, and discovery.
3. Unconditional Love: The greatest child development need is that a child experiences unconditional love and acceptance. Children who know that they will be loved and cared for regardless of their talents, accomplishments, or mistakes are more likely to experience a good sense of self-esteem. This can encourage positive self-talk and emotional resilience.
4. Exercise: Regular physical activity is one of the most important well-being activities for kids, plus it’s an incredibly effective way to boost a child’s psychological wellness, too. Exercise triggers the production of happy, feel-good endorphins, and helps children to grow up with strong muscles, bones, joints, coordination skills, and cognitive abilities.
5. Praise: The answer to the question “why is good mental health important” is found in children who feel confident in their abilities and self-assured in their decisions. Children who have experienced praise and positive reinforcement know how to take pride in their accomplishments, and can recognise the value of hard work – whether win or lose.
6. Behavioural Tools: Though children cannot always recognise the deeper meaning behind their behaviours, they can learn tools and skills to steer themselves through emotional ups and downs. A child that is equipped with a firm understanding of many different feelings will be better able to detect their own mood shifts and use healthy coping mechanisms to self-soothe and regulate their emotional state.
7. Appropriate Discipline: Children thrive in environments where they are supported and in which they can determine what is expected of them. Aiming to teach and guide children on how to behave rather than punish them for misbehaviours helps children to develop personal responsibility and self-regulation skills, building confidence and fostering self-love.
8. Quality Time: One aspect of a child’s solid mental health is regular quality time with a reliable caregiver. Children need to feel seen, heard, and understood, especially by their closest family. Quality time can include listening to a child’s innermost thoughts, assistance in learning to deal with conflict, or a forum for self-expression free of judgement.
9. Balance: When it comes to children’s emotional and psychological development, harmony is key. Swap screen time for healthy outdoor play, reading time, craft projects, or other pastimes that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and expression. Too much idle time can result in feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and isolation, while a balanced day provides a novel, positive activities that ward off depression and anxious symptoms.
10. Safety and Security: Perhaps the most important thing a child needs for good mental health is a sense that they are safe in their environment. Children are bound to feel afraid at one time or another, but the more they can find comfort in things they don’t understand, the braver they will feel in scary situations. Always accept your child’s fears as valid, and establish an environment that helps them to feel secure and free from harm. "
May you be empowered, to empower your children into a positive and fruitful future.
Jason Gow really enjoys creating with the Jenga blocks. Today he set up a line of blocks and set them off - it all flowed smoothly. Well done Jason. "
Community wellbeing:
Toast Tuesday: This free breakfast program runs weekly on Tuesdays at 8.30am, and is open to all students. Woolies Eastland supports us with a monthly gift card for spreads.
We would love to have a couple more parent helpers. You need to have a current ‘Working with Children’ card. My wife Bonnie coordinates the team. There are 2 rostered on with her. The link to the roster is volunteersignup.org/9MJL8
Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If you would appreciate regular bakery items, please email me, or see me at school.
Second-hand uniforms: If you need any uniforms, we have a large supply of second-hand items in good condition. Gold coins are all you need. Check our stock at Toast Tuesday.
Contact: I am happy to meet with any parents who would like to chat about life. Come and see me on Tuesdays or Fridays. I am happy to chat about family, fears, faith, friends, food [lack of] or anything really. Email me if you would to do so.
I can meet with students once, and for further contact we ask parents to sign a Consent Form. If you would like a form, I can send one home or email one to you.
Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]
[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]
Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.
Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.
