Ways to Foster Mental Well-being for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Mental Well-being Healthy Habits

• In safe, kind, nurturing, consistent and stable relationships children learn that adults can help them. It is first through the child’s relationship with caregivers that the child develops an understanding of themselves. Caregivers’ interactions form how the child perceives and feels about themselves in moment-by-moment interactions. When a caregiver responds to a child’s needs in a kind, safe and consistent manner, the child learns that they are important, loved and will be cared for.
• Caregivers also provide the foundation for helping the child understand their emotions and become partners in helping the child regulate these emotions. Children do not have the ability to self-regulate and need the caregivers in their life to help them through co-regulation. It is through co-regulation that the foundation is laid for future self-regulation and mindfulness. It is important that the caregiver themselves is regulated when they are helping the child calm down, too.
• The interactions between infant/ young child and caregivers set the blueprint for future relationships with peers, family and members. It is important to allow a child to stay close to a regulated, caring adult when they need extra time to adjust to an environment. Often children will utilize a ‘security or transition object.’ Socializing begins to teach cause and effect (for example, If I do ___, adults respond by doing ___).
• Play encourages children to use creativity while developing their imagination and physical, cognitive, emotional strength. Children’s sensory development is supported through different types of play including child directed and caregiver directed play, as well as imperative for healthy brain development. It is through play, with a regulated caregiver nearby, that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.
  • Praise them. Even on the little things! Tell them positive phrases such as you are great at coloring or thank you for cleaning up your toys.
  • Acknowledge and label feelings. For example, I know you are sad you have to go to bed, but you are tired and ready for sleep.
  • Practice slow breathing with the child with bubbles or pinwheels. This can also be a great strategy to use if they are feeling upset.
  • Create a safe and calm place to regulate. Provide them with a safe and calm place for your child to use when they are upset or sad. Encourage them to use this space to calm down any time. This can be in their bedroom, on the couch, etc.
  • Empathetic communication. Truly listen to what the child tells you. Repeat what they told you to show you heard them and their voice matters.
  • Assist them in self-care. Be patient with your children and let them try to do simple tasks with your help. This can be during bath time, while getting dressed, putting shoes on, etc. They may not do a perfect job, but it boosts their confidence and self-esteem.
  • Read together. Every single day!
  • Have conversations. Talk to each other as you play, do errands, or visit friends and family.
  • Give tasks. Allow your children to help with simple chores and tasks at home such as putting toys away or cleaning up a small spill. It may not be done perfectly and take patience, but they are learning!
  • Assist them in conflict resolution. Children learn through experiences. Provide young children with opportunities to work on their problem-solving skills and offer gentle guidance and encouragement when they are struggling.
  • Encourage free play. Let them use their imagination and explore together! Build a fort, go for walks, do art projects such as coloring or painting, explore the world through talk and touch.
  • Encourage play with other children. Use turn taking activities such as rolling a ball between children. This is also a great time to model positive interactions, such as sharing, trading and taking turns. This can also be a good time to teach and encourage boundaries.