Wellness for children is pretty much the same as for adults. Yet, given the struggles kids face today, it can be more vital to begin them on a path to self-acceptance and motivation. There are a few ways to nurture your kids further, from more family time to showing love and support.

Early Socialization for Confidence

Children are social creatures, just like adults. Even shy kids want to join in activities but feel like they may be rejected. This can be especially damaging to a growing child, where shyness and withdrawal become more prominent as they get older. This is why socialization is vital in the early days. Confidence is built through interactions and activities like competitive team gymnastics, joining the scouts, or even playing video games to help build relationships.

Wellness for Children with Family Time

It often feels like we don’t have enough time, and in many cases, this is true. Work can get in the way of family life, and this can be damaging. A recent study found that the average family spends just six hours per week together. Of course, children need their space just as adults do. But daily connection, quiet time reading, and praising your kids when they achieve something are powerful motivators. These will help form relationships that stabilize mental well-being.

Encourage Gratitude with Your Kids

One of the cornerstones of the wellness philosophy is gratitude. Gratitude is the appreciation of what you have and your situation. This includes the roof over your head, the food in your fridge, and the people who love you. Being grateful for what you have has been proven to make you feel happier about life and encourages hope. Hope is a powerful thing for a child. A gratitude diary helps children visualize what they are happy about and reminds them when they are sad.

Provide Ongoing Support

Children need support on a daily basis. The ups and downs of navigating their lives and finding their own place in the world can be daunting. Finding a good work life balance can be challenging. However, just making sure you are there for the kids is a massive help:

• Ask your children about their day and their problems, and actively listen.
• Find ways to support them through challenges and changes as they grow.
• Take an active interest in their lives and the things that are important to them.
• Encourage their hobbies and interests and allow them to learn new skills.
• Make them feel valued by taking on what they say and how they feel.

From disappointments to their first crush, children have problems. And when you are a child, the smallest thing can be a big deal. Support shows them they always have someone to turn to.

Talk About Some Modern Issues

It is safe to say that apart from the Victorian workhouses, children today have never had it so hard. The younger generation now has never known life without the internet and social media. And these come with their own issues. It is a huge help to talk about some modern issues with your kids. For example, bullying in the modern world doesn’t end at the school gates and carries on in cyberspace, into their homes, bedrooms, and everywhere else they must go in life.

Wellness for Children Through Love and Support

The love and support you show to your kids has a massive impact on their development and is one of the hardest things to get right. Too little is dangerous, and too much can be just as dangerous. Yet around 10% of kids between 10 and 15 (experiencing major life issues) stated that they have no support when surveyed. Expressing love, giving praise for good behavior, and even connecting through meal preparation and eating together help form strong familial bonds.

Work on a Stable Routine Together

Children need to feel stability in their lives, and a strong and stable routine is an excellent way to develop this. Any disruption can completely throw them off, especially children with special education needs or autism. From getting up and what they eat for breakfast to homework expectations and screen time, a routine helps children know where they stand in the home. A routine also helps you, as a parent, establish your expectations for enforcing household rules.

Being social by going to clubs to see other kids helps wellness for children develop from an early age. It is also a big help to provide love and support by taking an interest in your kids’ lives. And keeping a solid routine will also help you and the kids stay stable when at home.