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Understanding the Health and Wellbeing Context
Understanding the Health and Wellbeing Context
Early childhood development requires health and wellbeing and there is a strong relationship between physical, mental, emotional, and social health (Moore et al., 2017; Hodge & McMahon, 2022). The impacts of poverty, housing, nutrition, healthcare access and mental health of parents on social factors are mammoth on the children (AIHW, 2023). The at-risk children have higher chances of contracting poor health, developmental retardation, and stress (Flatau et al., 2021). The social model of health also considers the fact that wellbeing is defined by more encompassing social, economic and environmental factors (AIHW, 2023).
The ecological systems theory suggested by Bronfenbrenner emphasizes the influence on the health of children by family, school, community and policy (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The holistic model of early learning leads to resilience and learning preparedness, and teachers are one of the major factors that affect the establishment of safe and accepting environments (Be You, 2023).
Impact on the children and families
Impact on the children and families
Malnutrition: It is associated with laziness, inability to concentrate and high chances of getting sick and becoming obese (Raising Children Network, 2023).
Housing insecurity: It is associated with chronic stress, routines/problems, an absence of outdoor play areas, and unstable health care (Flatau et al., 2021).
Parents with mental issues: Mental issues inhibit the parenting capability, affiliation relationship, and family dynamics (Moore et al., 2017).
Childhood trauma and neglect: It has a negative impact on brain, memory and behavioural control development (Bath, 2015).
Poor healthcare: This may bring about the delay in the identification of the developmental problems and it may lead to the learning disability during their lives (AIHW, 2023).
Especially, mental health is an important aspect, and 1 child in 7 children aged 417 in Australia has a mental health condition (Lawrence et al., 2015). Emotional wellbeing is a precursor to children developing secure attachments, appropriate expression of feelings and the capacity to deal with transitions.
Social Policy and Australian Responses
Social Policy and Australian Responses
Australian National Children Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2021): It is an end to end strategy which will make mental wellbeing at early childhood, schools, and community possible.
Quality Area 2 ( NQS): the area deals with the phenomenon of children health and safety i.e., nutrition, illness, hygiene, supervision ( ACECQA, 2023).
Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0): Wellbeing is among the five learning outcomes and it is interpreted through the perspective of holistic development of a child (ACECQA, 2023).
National Action Plan for the Health of Children and Young People (20202030): It aims at attaining long-term results in terms of realising an equitable health workforce, health systems and service integration (Department of Health, 2020).
Although these powerful frameworks are in place, the universal access to high-quality and coordinated health services is not yet achieved. Poor access to specialists, long wait time, and a lack of access to specialists could be the culturally and linguistically diverse families living in remote or disadvantaged places (AIHW, 2023).
Strategies for Practice
Strategies for Practice
Promote Healthy Behavior: Promote healthy behaviors in life which include, eating healthy, physical activities, adequate sleep and proper hygiene. Healthy eating and motivation to a sport in the open air (Raising Children Network 2023).
Emotional Literacy and Regulation: Try to find some program like Kimochis, The Zones of Regulation or Smiling Mind to help them in learning how to recognize and express feelings (Be You, 2023).
Establish Safe and Predictable Spaces: Routines, positive relations with peers, and tranquil spaces are some of the means that can help achieve emotional safety and good behaviour (Bath, 2015).
Put Trauma-Informed Practice in place: Learn how adverse experiences impact behaviour and brain development. Be understanding, set definite expectations and routines that are predictable (Bath, 2015).
Family Engagement: Learn to build proper, respectful/trustful relations with the families. Share information, work together in the planning of care approaches and consult services (Be You, 2023).
Community and Professional Partnerships
Child and Family Health Nurses: They do development checks, immunisations and parenting.
Allied Health Professionals: Occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists and dietitians will help in a variety of development and behaviour needs.
Headspace, Kids Helpline and perinatal mental health programs can provide children and parents with local mental health services.
Organisations on nutrition and food security: OzHarvest, Foodbank and school breakfast clubs will help food insecure families.
Domestic and Family Violence Services: Seeks to offer counselling, housing and safety planning to families in pain.
The collaboration with these professionals allows early childhood educators to develop multidisciplinary networks of support around children, which improves the results (Moore et al., 2017; Hodge & McMahon, 2022).
0-5 years to children book
0-5 years to children book
The Huge Bag of Worries is a book by Virginia Ironside and it assists the children on ways of dealing with their worries and anxiety.
When I Am Feeling series by Trace Moroney familiarises children with different emotions in order to identify and communicate them.
https://www.tracemoroney.com/the-feelings-series
Calm Down Time by Elizabeth Verdick is a book about calming down strategies that children can use in order to overcome frustration.
https://www.elizabethverdick.com/books/calm-down-time/
My Many Coloured Days by Dr. Seuss is an exploration of moods and colours through which the author teaches emotional literacy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Many_Colored_Days
children’s videos, educational shows, podcasts
children’s videos, educational shows, podcasts
Sesame Street: Big Feelings playlist gives children a chance to learn to manage their emotions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po5lHYJJQfw&list=PLG7kIBFHZLPpIuUVvYauy3f6IpU3MmAaE
Mindfully – Smiling Mind podcast teaches mindfulness and emotional control among young learners. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/mindfully/mindfulness-and-relationships-explained/12450284
ABC Kids Listen: Imagine This follows the theme of mental wellbeing and is carried out through entertaining stories and activities. https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/programs/imagine-this/why-do-we-have-emotions-/105245254?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Beyond Blue: Healthy Families videotapes offer the guidance on mental health and wellbeing of families and children.
https://www.youtube.com/beyondblueofficial
These materials promote mental health, resilience and safety, assisting teachers to incorporate wellbeing into everyday practice and also respond in a sensitive way to the needs of children, creating a sound basis of lifelong learning and positive relationships.
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