Children's Wellbeing 101: What is children's emotional wellbeing & why is it so important?

What is children’s emotional wellbeing?

Children’s wellbeing is a combination of their physical, cognitive, social, psychological and emotional wellbeing. The outcomes can be positive or negative.

Emotional wellbeing describes the ability to experience, regulate, and express emotions; form close, secure, interpersonal relationships; as well as explore the environment and learn.

Why is children’s emotional wellbeing so important?

It's important for parents, carers and educators to foster positive emotional wellbeing in children from an early age. According to a survey by children's charity, YoungMinds, 74% of teachers believe poor mental health support is affecting children’s ability to learn. Not only does it affect their educational journey, but their resilience and ability to cope with challenges in life.

How can we look after children’s emotional wellbeing?

The Children’s Society’s Good Childhood Report found 1 in 9 children have low wellbeing. So what can we do to improve this?

Children often experience feelings that are too big to handle on their own. Providing a safe and supportive place for them to work through their thoughts, feelings and emotions will help them to get a better understanding of them and how to navigate them in daily life.

By gaining a better understanding of their own emotions, they will also better interpret and understand other people’s emotions.This will be a particularly important skill as children begin to build relationships at school and other social settings.

Here are some more ways to foster positive emotional wellbeing in your children at home:

1. Encourage your child to express their emotions: Praising them when they express their emotions in appropriate ways. For example, “I know you are angry that you lost the game but you handled it so well.”

2. Help your child come up with appropriate ways of expressing their emotions: Practice different strategies your child can use the next time they feel a certain way.

3. Stop rushing: Make time for mindfulness and stillness.

4. Be creative: Creativity is an essential part of wellbeing. We need to give children the space to be creative in their own way and develop a sense of self-expression.

5. Join in: Showing an interest in activities your child enjoys, promotes a positive sense of self and boosts their confidence.