Healthy brain, happy children, happy mummies and daddies!

As you may already be aware, 10th October was World Mental Health Day. This day is a great opportunity to help raise students' awareness of mental health. Our younger children may not necessarily understand the intricacies of the importance of a healthy mind; nevertheless, here at NAIS Pudong, mental health and the well-being of our children underpins all that we do, even for Early Years.

01Being mentally healthy refers to something positive.

When we are mentally healthy and feeling content, we feel a deep sense of well-being. In turn, this enables us to handle change with greater ease, to be flexible and adaptable and to be open to new experiences and learning new skills.

We are also more likely to be more confident to take risks. All these attributes and attitudes are crucial to learning and developing not only our personal, social and emotional well-being but also help us develop our understanding of the world around us and our place in it. Nurturing mental health is just as important as it is to maintain a healthy body.

Toddlers and young children may not necessarily show typical symptoms of distress but poor sleeping patterns, challenging feeding habits and restlessness may be some indicators that children are feeling anxious or tense.

Young children respond to and process emotional experiences differently to older children and adults. Our relationships with children have a significant impact on the successful development of their mental health. This is yet another reason why we encourage a strong partnership between home and school to collaboratively work together and find strategies which work for your child and their well-being needs.

02How can you help your child?

Stick to routines, be consistent, have together-time, involve the family so that everyone uses the same approach.

Observe any changes of behaviour whether eating habits, routines or social behaviour.

Provide lots of opportunity to communicate with your child to share their experiences and ask open ended questions. Be present in the moment.

Regular communication with school – Let your child’s teacher know if you have noticed any changes in behaviour. The heads of school are also always available to support.

Remember to take care of your own well-being – talking to others can be beneficial.

If you would like to read more on this topic, please click "Read More" to find the relavant articles.

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