Tag

Kindergarden

in RESOURCES

Mental Health

April 21, 2024
264

During childhood, maintaining an adequate mental health involves achieving indicators of development and emotional well-being, as well as acquiring healthy social skills and strategies to face challenges.

Mentally healthy children enjoy a positive quality of life and can function effectively at home, school and in the community.

It is crucial to understand that mental health is not limited to the absence of mental disorders. Even among children without diagnosis, the differences in their well-being are notable.

Considering mental health as a continuous process, in addition to identifying specific disorders, gives us a more complete understanding of children’s well-being.

Mental health struggles are our reality:

Secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression are common among early childhood workers. The world health organization reports that less than 50% of people with depression worldwide receive treatment.

This disorder affects individuals of all origins and ages, regardless of their socioeconomic level. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our reality, generating changes in behavior and communication due to social restrictions and health concerns. The key question is whether these changes are permanent.

Families and workers request more support on mental health issues after the pandemic.

Suggested actions:

For parents: you know your child better than anyone. If you have concerns about your child’s behavior at home, school, or with friends, talk to your child’s health care professional.

For young people: taking care of mental health is as essential as physical health. Don’t hesitate to express your feelings if you are angry, worried or sad. Seek support from friends or trusted adults.

For health professionals: early diagnosis and treatment based on updated guidelines are essential. Resources are available to diagnose and treat mental disorders in children.

For teachers/school administrators: Identifying problems early is key to providing the necessary help. Work with families and health professionals if you have concerns about a child’s mental health at school.

Courtesy of Precious Moment Child Care

in ACTIVITIES

Art activity for children: Ages 3 years and older

January 8, 2024
367

Materials we use:

  • Paint
  • Brushes
  • Apron
  • Water
  • Paper

The development that the child will have through this activity will stimulate his imagination and will also strengthen motor areas, cognitive development, among others.

in RESOURCES

The benefits of play for children

January 8, 2024
359

HOW DOES PLAY HELP CHILDREN GROW?

Play helps children grow and change in four ways:

  • physically
  • mentally
  • socially
  • emotionally

PLAY AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT When children play, they learn to use their muscles. Gross motor play involves large muscles. Fine motor play involves the use of smaller muscles.

  • Large muscles like those in the arms and legs get stronger and work better as children run, jump, and climb.
  • The small muscles of the fingers and toes become more controlled.
    • Babies hold on with all their hands.
    • 4-year-olds can easily pick up small pieces.

Balance ability comes with practicing walking along curbs, climbing trees and monkey bars, and playing hopscotch. When parts of the body work together so that the entire body moves smoothly and performs a task, this is called coordination. Children have a lot of energy. They need plenty of opportunities to play physically to burn off energy, then they sleep and eat better, so they will continue to grow. At all ages, motor coordination capacity depends on how much physical activity children do daily.

Music and movement

Music and the emotional and social development of the child

Including music in children’s activities helps children’s development which unites the two hemispheres of the brain. Music and emotions develop in the limbic system. Music provokes all types of feelings and emotions, being a tool that allows children to understand and express what they feel and at the same time strengthens bonds of trust. Music and its importance in the development of children’s body expression.

Body movement is closely linked to the world of sounds. Music stimulates the senses and balance, strengthening children’s muscles. When dancing they adapt their own movements and rhythms, acquiring greater coordination and spatial sense.

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