In young children, mental health is a way to describe their social and emotional wellbeing. It’s how babies and children feel and think about themselves and the world around them.
There are three elements that are foundational for good mental health, starting at birth, in early childhood, and throughout life: loving and supportive relationships, play, and a safe environment.
Strong relationships
Warm and responsive relationships with parents and carers can positively affect young children’s mental health, sending them the message that they are valued, safe and secure.
The key to building these relationships with children is to consistently and warmly respond to their needs for food, comfort, sleep, attention and so on.
There are many practical and simple ways to do this – smiles, eye contact, hugs and cuddles, communication and talking, praise, positive attention and quality time doing things they enjoy. They contribute to a child’s feelings of security and safety and give them confidence to explore their world.
Strong relationships also help parents support children’s emotional development, which is central to their mental health. Simple, positive ways for parents to do this is to name the big emotions like frustration, embarrassment and excitement when they are being expressed, and to use steps to help children calm down.
Purposeful play
Play helps children feel loved, happy and safe, express feelings, develop confidence, build relationships and develop social and communication skills. That is why it is so important.
Parents can use play to help children learn about emotions. Following the child’s lead is another way to encourage them. Children should also have the chance to play outside.
Reading and sharing stories is one of the best ways to play. Reading promotes brain development and imagination, develops language and emotions, and strengthens relationships.
Professionals and parents can get ideas from raisingchildren.net.au’s extensive range of activity guides for play and wellbeing.
A safe environment
A safe and predictable environment helps children feel safe, secure and looked after. Some suggestions for creating a safe environment include having routines, making sure that homes are safe and creative places for children, and keeping parental conflict away from children.
Parents looking after themselves
When parents look after themselves they can stay physically, mentally and emotionally well. Then they can give children the warmth, care and attention they need to grow and thrive. Self-care for parents is about healthy eating, exercise, rest and sleep, and time to do things they enjoy.
Online resources
raisingchildren.net.au has a range of resources to help professionals and parents nurture children’s mental health and wellbeing in the early years.
The Raising Healthy Minds app, developed by the Raising Children Network, is an evidence-based pocket resource for parents and carers. The app supports a positive approach to parenting and offers ways to help parents navigate emotions and behaviours in children aged 0-12 years.