Wellness

The term "wellness" is often used to describe the efforts we make in regards to taking care of our physical and spiritual well-being. Wellness may be associated with particular activities that promote good health, such as; smoking cessation programs, diets, meditation, aerobics training or yoga. If we are fortunate, we are able to incorporate these activities into our daily lives and affect an overall lifestyle change. Ultimately, the context of wellness addresses our desire to be healthy adults.

In addition, the term wellness might also be used in the context of how we envision young children becoming healthy adults. We often address this in terms of specific skills children need to acquire in order to be successful however, we might also consider this in the context how to support the development of healthy personalities in young children. What personality traits or attributes do young children need to develop to become healthy adults? Here are six to consider:

Sense of Future When children have a sense of the future they know they have choices. They can construct an image in their mind that helps them see what's ahead . . . and that things are going to turn out alright. We associate vision, wisdom and patience with a sense of future.

Sense of Appreciation Children appreciate what they have and also demonstrate value in others. They try to know and understand who others are. We associate sensitivity, acceptance, respect and inclusion with a sense of appreciation.

Sense of Togetherness Children spend time with others engaged in meaningful activities where they interact and participate together. We associate cooperation and trust with time together.

Sense of Emotional Balance Children find healthy ways to moderate their emotional and physical reactions to stressful situations. We associate stability and discipline with managing stress.

Sense of Open Communication Children listen and learn . . . and are genuinely interested in what others are saying. We associate expression, listening and interest with communication.

Sense of Commitment Children set goals for themselves and realize them even under adversity. We associate integrity and confidence with a sense of commitment.

We can teach specific skills that will help children develop their social, emotional, language and cognitive abilities. However, in regards to promoting wellness in the context of children's healthy personality, look to your childcare environment to determine whether it reflects the values or attributes we seek to instill in young children. Are children treated with wisdom and patience, cooperation and trust, stability and limits, openness and interest or integrity and confidence during their childcare experience? Providing a childcare experience that promotes these qualities or attributes is the most appropriate way to assure the development of children's emotional health and well-being.