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(1-1) "Children's Stressors: Using Positive Caregiving Strategies"
Purpose: to apply strategies that emotionally support children who are experiencing stressors
- Outcome: participants will develop a greater awareness of childrenís mental health and their role in impacting positive emotional growth
- Time: 60 - 75 minutes
- Group Size: flexible
- Training Methods: small group discussion; large group feedback; problem solving
- Materials Needed: easel pad and markers; handout:"Setting Up the Environment for Positive Emotional Support".
Steps for Conducting Activity:
Ask the large group to brainstorm current events that may have negatively impacted children or families (might give some suggestions like hurricanes, meth labs, school violence, or local events). Record on easel pad. (5 minutes).
Ask the large group the following questions and continue to record responses:
What stressors on children might be present in any of these situations? (loss of sense of security; neglect; abuse, etc.). Are any of these stressors common to other situations that children in your care may be experiencing? (Circle any common stressors). (10 minutes).
Put up the definition of mental health on overhead/powerpoint: "Mental health refers to psychological well-being that takes into account family and interpersonal relationships as well as relationships to the larger community."
Explain that in simple terms, mental health refers to the way children feel about themselves and the world around them; how they look at themselves and the other people in their lives, and what they do with that information. It includes how they relate to others, to challenges, to stress, and to decision making. Mental health has a direct impact on how one thinks, learns, communicates, and grows.
Ask the group: Would any of these common stressors that you see in young children in your programs have an impact on 'family and interpersonal relationships or relationships to the larger community?' If so, in what ways? Record responses. (15 minutes). (Might include behavior challenges, school problems, learning issues, etc.)
Next, divide the group into small groups. Give each small group one of the following topics:
- Child Care Physical Environment
- Child Care Emotional Environment
- Teacher or Child Care Provider
Explain that each group will look at the topic they have been given and brainstorm ways in which they can influence that area to promote a sense of well-being and responsive caregiving to children who are experiencing stressors in their lives. (Be clear that they are to brainstorm strategies for which they have actual control.) (25 minutes).
Bring large group back together. Ask groups to share their topic area and their strategies. (15 minutes).
Give participants the handout "Setting Up the Environment for Positive Emotional Support". Wrap up with Key Points. (5 minutes).
Key Points:
- Children in child care programs may be experiencing many types of stressors in their lives from events outside of their control.
- A childís mental health will be impacted by both the negative and positive interactions in their lives, including the child care setting.
- The early childhood environment can be set up to emotionally support children with responsiveness and consistency.
- In order to help ensure that children feel good about themselves and respond positively to the world around them, providers need to safeguard the early experiences through proving a warm and nurturing atmosphere.
- A healthy emotional environment sets the stage for children to continue to learn and grow, with intentional guidance from caring adults.
End of excerpt
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