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The Role of Co-Regulation and the Connection to Emotional Health for Children

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Educators are in a constant state of decision-making when caring for children. The goal of keeping children physically protected from harm crucially lies in planning and prevention. It can also be applied to their emotional health too.

Written by: Joanne Harris Educational Advisor  

Our youngest citizens in any given generation are born into a new world in which they meet it where it is currently at.

Undoubtedly, the world has changed rapidly in the past couple of years. Not only through a global pandemic but also concerning the pace of life through technology.

It might be tempting to believe that the world is a more dangerous place than before, as many of us can reflect on the past. However, there are compelling reasons why it may be safer now. A major benefit of modern living is the ability to connect with others seamlessly, offering vital connections. It is integral to our survival to communicate and interact with others for physical, emotional, and social support.

Nature demands our daily focus

Nature and the seasons guide both human civilisation and the animal kingdom predominantly through weather patterns and cycles. Each day we dress according to the temperature and take precautions to manage the elements. When we choose food to eat, availability and price are dictated by what is abundant according to growing conditions.

Depending upon the weather can also potentially affect the way we feel about the activities we choose to do on any given day. Learning how to adapt and respond to these changes is gained largely through experience, which is passed on to children.

Self-care - more than a buzzword

Although this term might now have been overused to an extent that people may be put off by it, there is value in examining its impact, steering from the emphasis on the activity types that might be associated with it.

Self-care encompasses the 3 elements of mindfulness, incorporating mind, body, and soul.

Beginning in the first years of life, learning this critical skill has the potential to change the mental health of future generations, as it becomes a regular part of daily routines.

Practices like meditation have the power to inspire qualities such as compassion, confidence, empathy, and focus. The idea of meditation can conjure up ideas that may involve contorting bodies into unusual shapes, but it can be much simpler than that.

Keeping an open mind through Reflection

Educators are in a constant state of decision-making when caring for children. Ever present is the element of safety as a priority. The goal of keeping children physically protected from harm crucially lies in planning and prevention. It can also be applied when considering their emotional health and well-being too.

It can be tempting to provide a full program of activities and experiences to engage all their senses but keeping some space free to allow flexibility is equally important. Setting up a selection of activities on table tops or on the floor but leaving some intentionally free can be ideal for children to add to their experience with their own suggestions.

During a morning meeting with preschool children at the start of the day, time to hear what has happened in their lives between sessions can provide them a chance to shape how the remainder of it may go.

For younger children, responding to their requests to repeat experiences such as singing songs or reading favourite stories is a key way to support meeting their needs. Following their cues, it becomes easier to introduce changes when they are ready.

We can all benefit from the ‘Slow Movement’

Living simply is inextricably linked to living well. It is easy to see the difference in how we feel we are rushed or stressed to when we feel calm and connected. When thinking about children they do what we do rather than what we say.  If we feel worried, often they do also, but not always know why or what can be done about it. 

A meal or sleep time in which children are invited to contribute to a peaceful environment both physically and emotionally. Including them to make a bed or choose a place to sleep or rest can instantly guarantee that the atmosphere will automatically feel relaxed.

Planning activities where children plan their transition between active and passive play can be enhanced using sand timers to mark time, or through group time in which they are encouraged to assess their needs. Guiding them with simple questions or using a ‘body scan’ technique include children in their own learning and understanding of their needs and how they can best be met without having to rely on others, instead empowering them.

Rest and Regulation and the Connection to mental health

Meditation does not require any special equipment and can be practiced just about anywhere. Contrary to popular belief, meditation does not promise to clear the mind of thoughts; instead, it slows down and lets them pass through.

When introduced to young children, the greatest outcome is that they simply learn to connect to their bodies and become familiar with the internal workings through breathing and relaxation.

For more ideas and information about incorporating mindful practices into your program please visit our Educator Resources at bellbird.com.au

 

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