Wellbeing

Positive Wellbeing

Promoting positive wellbeing in children is essential for fostering a healthy, resilient mindset that supports their growth and development. There are many different ways that we as adults (teachers and parents alike), can help our children develop healthy, strong and resilient relationships with the people around us, as well as ourselves. 

Below are some simple strategies for developing overall, positive mental health and wellbeing.  

Improving your child’s self-esteem:

• Be accepting of your child.
• Encourage your child to express their views and feelings in an appropriate manner.
• Collaborate with your child in identifying their strengths and reinforce their capabilities in these areas. These areas vary widely and stretch well beyond the scope of academics. (All The Ways to Be Smart by Diana Bell & Allison Colpoys is a great picture story book to reference this point)
• Teach your child to problem solve using trial and error strategies and encourage exploration, not necessarily immediate success. Failure is a natural part of life and it is great for resilience and perseverance.
• Encourage your child to take risks and step outside their comfort zone.  
• Be responsive to curiosity. When your child asks questions, try to answer them in an age-appropriate way, giving positive reinforcement to your child’s enquiring mind. 
• Show an interest in the things your child is drawn to. Ask questions, and try to engage with them to show that their interests are important, even if they are different to other peoples. 

Improving communication skills:

• Help your child notice, label and express their feelings. Doing so will help your child navigate their emotions and provide them with simple strategies to use when they feel overwhelmed by strong feelings. 
• Encourage eye contact during verbal communication. This makes it easier for all parties involved in the conversation to be clear and be understood. 
• Encourage your child to be assertive, while having respect for others’ opinions and ideas.
• Practise different modes of communication with your child and discuss when they might be needed. For example: facial expressions, sign language, written communication, etc. 

Improving your child's sense of responsibility:

• Have clear and consistent routines and expectations. This helps children understand where the boundaries are and when they have been crossed. 
• Help your child understand what is expected of them in certain situations such as school and at home. 
• Have visual prompts reminding them what their responsibilities are and gently encourage them when they forget. 
• Within the limitations of your child’s age, give them different options when it comes to responsibilities around the house. Positively praise them when they complete tasks to reinforce their sense of accomplishment and belonging. 

Teaching children coping skills, mindfulness techniques, and the importance of expressing their feelings strengthens their emotional resilience. By fostering a supportive atmosphere and modelling healthy behaviours, we equip children with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges and thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

As always, please feel free to reach out for more information about anything related to Friendology, student wellbeing or individual concerns you may have. I am contactable via compass, through the office or via email – louise.jarvis@education.vic.gov.au

Have a lovely weekend,

Louise Jarvis

Wellbeing Specialist Teacher