Supporting children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
Guidance on how to support children’s understanding and learning of environmental issues.
When supporting a child we need to start by meeting their basic needs. Children need good nutrition, sleep, play, learning and a sense of safety to build self-esteem and well-being. Talking with parents about their child’s eating, sleep, play, and home life helps you support both the child and family better.
Attachment - role of the key person
The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework requires each child to be assigned a key person.
The key person is an important part of a child’s early years journey. The key person should:
- build a secure relationship with each child
- offer children reassurance and comfort
- communicate with parents or carers
- observe and assess children’s development
- understand and respond to children’s individual needs
Useful links
Early years environment and education
The Leuven Wellbeing and Involvement scale focuses on how children access and engage with learning and care in their environment.
In the video below, an early years expert explains the importance of sense of self in the early years foundation stage framework. There are also some tips on how to support children in this area.
Safe spaces and meeting children’s needs
Creating an environment where children feel valued, can take risks and have responsibility helps build strong self-esteem. Consistent environments that reflect the children’s community also supports their sense of self.
Environments must meet children’s need for:
- safety
- rest
- activity
- independence
- calm
- stimulation
Early years and childcare providers must also consider the physical space, resources and staffing. Some children may need designated areas for self-regulation or comfort, tailored to their individual needs.
Emotions
Children who learn to identify and express their emotions in a healthy way are more likely to develop:
- positive relationships with others
- effective communication skills
- emotional resilience
It is also an important part of their personal, social and emotional development areas of learning.
- Dealing with feelings - BBC Bitesize
- Emotions - Department for Education
- Early years emotional health - PACEY
- Happy children - taking care of young people's wellbeing - early years alliance
- Promoting young children’s self-regulation skills through play - Anna Freud
Children’s early years play an important role in creating a strong foundation for mental health as they grow and develop. Childcare professionals play a vital role in supporting children to develop the emotional and social skills that will support them throughout their lives.
“Self-regulation empowers children to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in ways that pave the path for positive social interactions, academic success, and overall wellbeing”
Anna Freud
Self-care
Early Years and childcare providers can help young children become independent by providing opportunities to allow and encourage responsibility.
When children practice self-help skills like feeding and dressing themselves, they develop gross and fine motor skills, build confidence, and feel proud of their independence.
Some examples of self-help skills include:
- dressing and undressing
- feeding themselves and drinking from a cup
- brushing their teeth and washing their hands
- cleaning up after activities
- helping with jobs
- keeping themselves safe
- expressing their own needs
Between the age of 2 to 3 most children show signs of being ready to be toilet trained.
ERIC is the national charity dedicated to improving children’s bowel and bladder health. Their mission is to reduce the impact of continence problems on children and their families.