Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing | Bright Beginnings: Supporting Children’s Growth and Development

Definition:

Mental health and wellbeing, defined by the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, refers to how children feel and cope in everyday life - how they recognise their strengths, handle life’s ups and downs, learn and grow, and feel connected to the world (National Mental Health Commission, 2021). Good mental health is the foundation for building resilience, forming friendships, and engaging in learning in the early years.

Why it matters:

When children feel happy, safe, and supported, they are much more ready to learn. Their well-being shapes how they behave in the moment and how they connect with others and solve problems. As Roffey (2017) suggests, secure children are more likely to develop empathy and cooperation skills. Creating play-rich environments that feel safe and welcoming also supports children’s confidence and sense of belonging (Kennedy & Stonehouse, 2017).

How you can help:

Adults have such an important role in supporting children’s well-being. Simple things such as building trusting relationships, keeping routines steady, and ensuring children feel safe sharing their emotions all support this. According to Further Journeys of Inquiry (AISWA, 2020), recognising children’s voices and identities is central to their sense of belonging. Those everyday things — listening, acknowledging feelings, or joining in playful moments — often help children develop resilience.

Examples:

Feelings, Stories, and Puppets: Reading books about emotions and using puppets to “act out” different feelings can make abstract emotions visible and safe to discuss.
Mindfulness and Breathing Games: Parents can guide children through “bubble breathing,” where they pretend to blow big, slow bubbles. This simple, playful exercise helps children self-regulate.

Strategies for Parents & Communities:

Maintain predictable routines to create a sense of safety and stability.
Use play and storytelling to talk about feelings and emotions.
Encourage social connections with peers through playdates, community events, and shared activities.
Model coping strategies (deep breathing, positive self-talk) for children to imitate.
Celebrate strengths and provide positive feedback to build self-esteem.

Resources:

National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (National Mental Health Commission, 2021).
Further Journeys of Inquiry (AISWA, 2020) – child-centred approaches to wellbeing.
Roffey (2017) – ASPIRE principles for social and emotional learning.
Practice Principles Guide – Integrated Teaching and Learning Approaches (Kennedy & Stonehouse, 2017).

References:

Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA). (2020). Further journeys of inquiry.

Kennedy, A., & Stonehouse, A. (2017). Practice principle guide – Integrated teaching and learning approaches.

National Mental Health Commission. (2021). National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Roffey, S. (2017). The ASPIRE principles and pedagogy for the teaching of social and emotional learning. International Journal of Emotional Education, 9(2), 21–35.