Importance of Early Childhood Wellbeing

What is wellbeing? 

Wellbeing, according to the dictionary, is “the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy.”

While wellbeing is important for everyone, it is extra important for children. The formative years of a child’s life are from birth to age 8; this is the period where they learn the fastest and develop the most, especially regarding their social emotional learning. Formative memories also begin to form as early as 2 years old. With so many important milestones happening in these early years of child development, ensuring the wellbeing of your child can help them not only with their toddler health, but also in the long run.

How can you ensure wellbeing in early childhood?

Three of the most important aspects of health to focus on when it comes to childhood wellbeing include: mental, physical, and emotional health. Let’s look at some ways you can make sure you are touching upon each one in your little one’s child development and toddler health!

Physical

Exercise is a proven way to boost mental health, and it can also encourage children to get creative when getting active. Taking your child to a local park is an excellent way to not only spend quality time and get fresh air with them, but also allows them to get out some wiggles and have a large space to move around and explore. 

Playgarden also has a lovely indoor playground at our Tribeca location, which you can learn more about here! Our playground has slides, a trampoline, and a myriad of different materials for your child to use and get creative with! Plus, they will have an opportunity to potentially socialize with any other members who might be there during their visit. 

Mental

Children can begin developing mental health issues, such as anxiety, as early at six months old. This isn’t meant to be information that causes concern. Instead, recognize how promoting mental health awareness can lead to less worry on your end!

Showing your child unconditional love and attentiveness can help them feel secure at home, and also help them with their self esteem when it comes to exploring new social environments as they continue on in their child development. In this same vein, showing appropriate discipline is an important aspect of wellbeing. While no one likes getting in trouble or being told they have done something wrong, approaching discipline with a level of compassion will help your child recognize appropriate behavior in certain situations, which will benefit them in the long run. 

Emotional

Letting your child express both positive and negative emotions in a healthy and supported way can help them recognize early in their child development that no emotion is “bad” to express, and that they can seek support when needed without judgment. Things like praise and encouragement can also raise their self-esteem, leading to less anxiety in their toddler health. Of course, social emotional learning is excellent when put in practice in a social situation. Socializing with other children around their age will help your child form friendships early in their lives and feel confident meeting new people as they continue on in their child development journey.

Start Learning Today! Playgarden Prep offers top-quality online preschool programs to students across the country. Click here to learn more about us, then try a free trial.