Illuminating A Child’s Well-being through Social Wellness

mysmartlaw.com appreciates your interest as we highlighted the importance of social wellness for the benefit of child advocacy.   

What Is Wellness:   

One aspect in making smart choices includes “awareness” which broadens perspectives, provides clarity and facilitates behavior.    Being aware of how wellness impacts you and others is critical.   There are many dimensions to wellness which include but are not limited to:  physical, mental, emotional, social, financial, environmental, occupational and spiritual.     Promoting wellness is important particularly when you are facing life challenges, such as separation or divorce. 
 

Curating Wellness To Benefit A Child: 

A nurturing and stable environment for the child is one where consistency, responsiveness and warmth are fostered thereby promoting the child’s attachment, emotional regulation and self-esteem.   Mental health impacts wellness.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data indicating that the mental health of children is strongly influenced by the mental health of their parent or caregiver. A recent survey indicated that 1 in 14 parents (of children aged 0-17 years old), disclosed poor mental health. Of those parents and caregivers who reported poor mental health, it was noted that their children were more likely to have, “poor general health, to have a mental, emotional, or developmental disability, to have adverse childhood experiences… and to be living in poverty.” (1)

Parenting practices are positively influenced when a parent prioritizes wellness.   Curating wellness builds a positive environment for the child which has the potential to reduce anxiety and stress.  The reduction of uneasiness, fear and worry fosters peace within the home, enhances the child’s social-emotional development and promotes healthy family dynamics.  

Why Social Wellness:   

July celebrates “social wellness” month which encourages others to practice healthy social behaviors and build meaningful relationships.   Some benefits of social wellness include:   positivity, emotional resilience and wellbeing, supportive relationships, a sense of community, effective communication skills and an overall healthier life.

Role Modeling To Build Social Wellness:   

Children learn from the actions of others.   At times, a child may imitate what it sees its’ parent(s) doing.  When a parent prioritizes social wellness then it creates space, energy and opportunity for the child to develop similar skills.   A parent can instill important skills, communication strategies and a positive outlook on relationships.  This ultimately contributes to the child’s overall well-being and success in life.

Using communication as an example: when a child witnesses its’ parent or caregiver speaking in a manner that is calm, clear, and effective, then the child can adopt these types of skills to apply in its’ interactions with others. 

Active Listening As A Communication Strategy To Build Social Wellness: 

Active listening is crucial for a parent’s social wellness because it promotes effective communication and understanding within relationships.  What does it mean to actively listen? Active listening is a method of communication that involves fully focusing on, understanding, and responding to the speaker in a conversation. It requires concentration, effort and attention towards the person speaking, both verbally and non-verbally.   When a child observes active listening skills then the child witnesses respect, validation, support and empathy.   Also, positive communication creates a positive dynamic that can foster open communication which is vital to address concerns, resolve conflicts and build trust.  Finally, he practice of active listening gained through social wellness experiences is fundamental in providing children the space and energy to create, express and be curious.  

Inclusivity Enhances Social Wellness: 

Inclusivity creates an environment that celebrates diversity and encourages acceptance. When a parent fosters inclusivity in the family and social circles, it teaches their child the importance of respecting and valuing differences.  Inclusivity extends beyond immediate circles, as parents can actively engage with diverse communities which exposes the child to different perspectives and fosters a sense of belonging.  In addition to being a role model of inclusivity, parents can teach compassion and explain differences.  One helpful tool is the use children’s literature to explain circumstances and experiences that the child may or may not witness in its’ daily life.   Inclusivity helps children build strong relationships to emphasize social wellness.

To curate social wellness, consider incorporating small actions each day to: 

1. Maintain A Positive Mindset / See The Good In Yourself And Others
2. Manage Stress Through Meditation, Breathwork, Journaling
3. Maintain Healthy Habits Regarding Physical Activity and Nutrition 
4. Make Time For Rest and Recovery:  Silence and Sleep Matter
5. Cultivate Strong Relationships:  Find Your Tribe, Have A Support System
6. Serve Others/Give Back To Your Community (Be Inclusive)
7. Learn Who You Are 
8. Forge Resiliency
9. Be Mindful And Have A Growth Mindset
10. Keep Life Simple And Adjust When Necessary

Resources:      

1. Mental health of children and parents —a strong connection (CDC); https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/mental-health-children-and-parents.html
2. Young Children Develop in an Environment of Relationships (Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University);  https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/wp1/ 
3. https://www.brighthorizons.com/resources/article/how-to-raise-inclusive-child

Two great resources to learn more include:  

a.)  The CDC which provides parents and caregivers with information about child health and development, including positive parenting tips; and 
b.)   Center on the Developing Child (Harvard University) which has many working papers regarding the policy, practices and science pertaining to children’s wellbeing.