Children’s wellness is no different to that of adults and is much more than just physical health. Wellness is multidimensional, with many different models of wellness ranging in dimensions from:
Physical
Spiritual
Emotional
Cultural
Social
Environmental
Mental/Psychological
Technological
Nutritional
Occupational
Financial
Intellectual
These dimensions then have impacts on all areas of life. They impact the relationships we form and the thought processes and habits we create.
Therefore, as parents and educators of children, we need to understand that for optimal learning and engagement to take place, all dimensions of wellness need to be cared for. Covid 19 has had a huge impact on Global Wellness, with its biggest impacts felt physically, emotionally, socially and financially. Some dimensions of our Wellness have become more important in life to help us deal with how this virus has changed the world. The use of Technology of our current generation has helped us feel more connected, yet children of today feel less connected than ever before. How can we turn the negative impacts of Covid 19 into positives for the future?
Education is going to need to adapt and transform to these world changes. Now more than ever we all need to focus on mental and emotional wellbeing as much as physical exercise and good nutrition. As the old saying goes…. “change your habits, change your life.” Habits are powerful. They shape our existence and ultimately our future. Therefore, the habits we form in our classrooms and our households can have a huge impact on future generations.
Wellness is a continual fluctuating process of self-awareness and self-regulation. These specifics skills need to be taught to children at a young age to promote self-reflection, self-growth and optimal wellness. Children learn by example, so as parents and educators we need to show, not tell, what a well dimensioned approach to wellness looks and feels like.
What dimensions of wellness do you need to focus on?
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