If possible try to avoid over stimulation. For example, some children become stressed if there is too much noise or too much general activity around them. Too many changes in a child’s life can also impact on their ability to manage the challenges of growing up. If excessive stimulation or change is unavoidable, offer your infant or child support and loving reassurance.
Following are further suggestions for promoting a young child’s well-being:
Have frequent conversations with young children
Diffuse difficult situations by distracting children
Avoid power struggles over unimportant matters
Allow children to make decisions, e.g. “Do you want Vegemite or peanut butter?” and “Here are three outfits, you can choose the one you want to wear today”
Prepare children for changes, e.g. “After lunch, we are going to Nanna’s.”
Give children time to respond to requests (count to five while you patiently wait for them to respond)
Allow children to have a space of their own
Appreciate how much more difficult it is for a child to cope when they are sick or tired
Acknowledge children’s fears and offer support
Set limits for children. This can give them a sense of security
Consider establishing routines at home. Routines can help children understand what is about to happen
Provide a safe, warm and secure home
Allow children time to express their feelings and ideas
Promote children’s self-esteem, i.e. let them know that they are loveable and capable
Following are further suggestions for promoting a young child’s well-being:
