“Wellness is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – The World Health Organization.
Wellness is defined by a number of personal choices, activities and a lifestyle that lead to a fulfilled life. There are several key areas related to wellness: healthy relationships, exercise, nutrition, sleep, self-care and mindfulness. Each one has an impact on the physical and mental health.
Child wellness is based on the satisfaction of material, physical, affective and psychological needs. A child's wellbeing is determined by the level of parental, familial, communal, and social safe interactions.
Family wellness can be considered a state of affairs in which every family member's needs are met. This requires that people reach a balance between pursuing personal aspirations, such as careers and studies, and contributing to the well-being of other family members. Family wellness is more than the absence of discord; it is the presence of supportive, affectionate and gratifying relationships that serve to promote the personal develop.
Promoting wellbeing involves understanding and addressing child, youth, and caregiver functioning in many different areas. A focus on well-being should be integrated into the field of child abuse prevention, addressing child and family needs related to well-being is a critical part of reducing risks and increasing safety and protective factors.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/promoting/
Child wellness is based on the satisfaction of material, physical, affective and psychological needs. A child's wellbeing is determined by the level of parental, familial, communal, and social safe interactions.
Family wellness can be considered a state of affairs in which every family member's needs are met. This requires that people reach a balance between pursuing personal aspirations, such as careers and studies, and contributing to the well-being of other family members. Family wellness is more than the absence of discord; it is the presence of supportive, affectionate and gratifying relationships that serve to promote the personal develop.
Promoting wellbeing involves understanding and addressing child, youth, and caregiver functioning in many different areas. A focus on well-being should be integrated into the field of child abuse prevention, addressing child and family needs related to well-being is a critical part of reducing risks and increasing safety and protective factors.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/promoting/
During Covid-19 times
It is important for kids to feel safe and supported at home. Now that everything is changing it is very important to keep the communication open with them. Remember to ask your children how they are feeling and remind them that they can come to you to talk about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. You can even come up with a code word that they can say when they don’t feel safe, or when they feel sad, worried, etc.
These days many parents have lost their jobs and have been struggling to cover the basic needs such as food, shelter or healthcare. If you are going through rough times, please contact a trusted family member, neighbor, friend or local community resources.
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Healthy connections are also very important and staying in touch with loved ones is vital during these times. Reach out to the kids’ friends or other family members; self-esteem in children is developed through recognition and feeling valued by others. |
Help your kids to keep dreaming about their future plans, about what new things they want to learn, which sport they want to practice, where they want to go on a vacation one day.
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Access to nature has always been related to lower levels of stress and illness. Playing outside is one of the greatest joys of childhood, but it serves a larger purpose than just being a way to have a good time. Spending time outdoors is a crucial part of healthy growth and development, according to the National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of outdoors activities for the family wellbeing click HERE |
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Some recommended links:
Tips to help you prevent child abuse and neglect and create an environment that nurtures your child’s wellbeing:
* Be proactive in understanding your children. Learn how your kids behave and what they can do at different ages. Have realistic expectations and be reasonable if children fall short.
* Keep your children healthy. Denying children food, sleep or healthcare is abuse by neglect.
* Get help with alcohol or drug problems. And keep children away from anyone who abuses those substances.
* Watch your words. Angry or punishing language toward kids can cause long-lasting emotional damage.
* Get control of yourself before disciplining a child. Set clear rules so the child knows what to expect. Avoid physical punishment.
* Take a timeout. Stop if you begin to act out frustration or other emotions physically. Find someone to talk with or watch your kids while you take a walk. Call a child abuse prevention hotline if you are worried you may hit your child.
* Make your home a violence-free zone. Turn off violent TV shows and don’t let kids stay under the same roof with an abusive adult.
* Take regular breaks from your children. This will give you a release from the stress of parenting full-time.
https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/wellness-community/blog-health-information/tips-help-you-prevent-child-abuse-neglect-your-home
* Keep your children healthy. Denying children food, sleep or healthcare is abuse by neglect.
* Get help with alcohol or drug problems. And keep children away from anyone who abuses those substances.
* Watch your words. Angry or punishing language toward kids can cause long-lasting emotional damage.
* Get control of yourself before disciplining a child. Set clear rules so the child knows what to expect. Avoid physical punishment.
* Take a timeout. Stop if you begin to act out frustration or other emotions physically. Find someone to talk with or watch your kids while you take a walk. Call a child abuse prevention hotline if you are worried you may hit your child.
* Make your home a violence-free zone. Turn off violent TV shows and don’t let kids stay under the same roof with an abusive adult.
* Take regular breaks from your children. This will give you a release from the stress of parenting full-time.
https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/wellness-community/blog-health-information/tips-help-you-prevent-child-abuse-neglect-your-home