These days, we all recognise the importance of wellbeing. We know that everyone needs the odd holiday from work to relax and reset, that we must all eat a healthy and balanced diet, and that our bodies and minds should be treated with the respect they deserve. But what about our kids? Do they have the same wellbeing needs? What affects their wellbeing? And how do we go about taking care of it?

When we break it down, there are 3 distinct factors that affect a child’s wellbeing: health, safety and nutrition.

So, let’s go through them one-by-one!

What factors affect my child’s health?

When it comes to your child’s health, what it really boils down to is heredity (the genetic passing on of physical or mental characteristics from one generation to another) and environment. A child’s growth, development and health potential are determined by their heredity. For example, some families have allergies, some require glasses and some have histories of certain health problems. Although a child’s heredity predetermines a large part of their health, their environment plays an equally vital role. Their environment is made up of physical, social, economic, psychological and cultural elements, all of which combine to positively or negatively affect a child’s health.

Regular exercise is an essential part of every child’s day and heavily contributes to their wellbeing. With numerous positive effects on their mental health, weight, growth and even behaviour, make sure to regularly get them off the sofa and out of the house.

As well as their physical health, a child’s wellbeing is largely determined by their mental health.

A child’s mental health and self-image are constantly being moulded and shaped by various biological and environmental factors. Everything they experience and all of their interactions have positive and negative influences on their outlook. But if we set realistic goals and provide learning opportunities that build on their interests and strengths, our kids are much more likely to feel good about themselves and build self-esteem and confidence. That’s not to say that failures and mistakes don’t offer up wonderful opportunities to learn. Just remember that all of our children are unique, and that’s wonderful, so we mustn’t compare them or hound them with unrealistic expectations and goals.

If parents can present a positive and confident attitude, kids will soon follow and do the same, and equally, if their home and school environment is a happy one that encourages praise and confidence, this will contribute a great deal to their wellbeing.

What about safety?

Your child’s safety refers to the measures and behaviours taken to protect our children from any unnecessary harm.

We love that children are curious little creatures. We love their enthusiasm to try everything, to have as much fun as possible and play every day all day. But unfortunately, it’s these qualities that make them so prone to injury. The abilities to problem-solve, and to accurately judge time, speed and distance are somewhat lacking in young children, resulting in stumbles, grazes and the odd head bump. So, it’s important to keep an eye on them at all times and maintain as safe an environment as possible.

What about nutrition?

When we talk about nutrition, we’re talking about the science of food and its relationship with health. The nutrients in food have a direct effect on a child’s health, behaviour and development - nourishing food provides children with energy, improves their resistance to infection and illness, builds and repairs body tissue, and promotes growth and development.

If we as parents have a better understanding of the typical growth and development patterns of children, we can do our best to cater to their nutritional needs. Height and weight gain are generally slow and steady during preschool years, but ideally, 3 - 5-year-olds should gain no more than 4 to 5 pounds a year. It’s very important that your little one is eating a nutritious diet, as they’re sure to be getting in lots of play and plenty of jumping and running around.

Final thoughts

Remember that, while these 3 factors are vitally important, they aren’t the only things that affect your child’s wellbeing. Other elements, such as community, support, and school are also large factors. Your child’s quality of sleep is another thing that plays a part in determining their overall wellbeing - preschool children need a great deal of sleep, between 10 and 13 hours a day! So make sure they’re getting to bed nice and early and having a few quiet rest times throughout the day.

During these preschool years, your child is going through a key period of development. Their fine motor skills rapidly improve, allowing them to fetch things for themselves, put their own shoes on and even zip up their own jacket! It’s also an exciting time for them and you because their emotional awareness and control is developing, so they’re sure to make new friends right, left and centre. Fill these formative years with varied and creative play, plenty of praise, and lots of conversation. This will boost both your child’s self-esteem and cognitive development, positively contributing to their wellbeing.

What is wellbeing for kids and how do we achieve it?

Unii shares how to boost and protect your children’s wellbeing.