Children become strong in their social, emotional and mental wellbeing
Early childhood is a time of big emotions and ECEC professionals can help children identify, understand and appropriately express their feelings. It is also a time for blossoming relationships, and taking on new challenges while being supported by trustworthy adults.
High-quality programs intentionally foster environments, experiences and relationships that nurture children's mental health and wellbeing.
Learning experiences
- Help children identify people they trust, like their friends, family and familiar adults. Encourage children to reach out to them in times of need and conflict, to share stories and talk about emotions.
- Ensure that all children's needs are met through sleep and food, with an understanding that children have widely varying needs. Support families to continue breastfeeding if they choose to, as this is beneficial for the child and mother's physical and mental wellbeing.
- Promote a sense of belonging within your classroom environment. Rearrange your environment to support individual, small group and whole group play. Make spaces for families to cuddle quietly with their children. Display artworks and photos on your walls, so all children feel valued and included.
- Provide children with an outlet to move their bodies, remembering some children relax through meditation and others intense physical activity.
- Get outdoors, in nature. Don't let the weather keep you inside. Also, bring nature indoors.
- Be appropriately responsive when children experience conflict or trauma.
- Encourage children, including babies and toddlers, to make choices and influence their own environment, experiences and relationships.
Explore the EYLF
Explore other areas of Learning Outcome 3, Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
Explore all the EYLF Learning Outcomes, with links to children's interest topics, on The Interest Forest.