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Kidz Magic Edens Crossing September 2020

 Welcome to this month's newsletter and welcome to all our new families.

What a month it has been with the opening of our last room, meeting new friends, having fun dress up days, caring for our seeds and plants and watching our garden grow.

Sun safety – Just a reminder that we advocate for sun safety. You will find a Sunscreen Station and information about the daily UV rating in the foyer. We ask that parents remember to put a hat and some sunscreen on your child each morning upon arrival. You will find sunscreen in the foyer as well as outside in the hygiene station. Please note that singlets, tank tops, sleeveless tops or dresses are not considered sun safe. If your child does wear a singlet/tank top, sleeveless top/dress can you please pack a tee shirt in their bag to pop over this clothing to provide better sun protection in the outdoor environment.

Promoting healthy eating – If sending in food/snacks for your child please ensure that these items do not contain nuts- including peanut butter or Nutella spread.

Fruit juice, Cakes, biscuits, lollies, chips are also requested to not be sent as they are not considered to have nutritional value that children's growing bodies require. You will find lots of ideas for healthy snacks on the internet via a Google search. Try researching with your child and decide together what you could send. By involving your child in deciding, they will be more receptive and happier to eat what healthy food you send along.

Personal Items from Home - We understand that at times children and families will bring in personal items from home as part of the learning program, for example "Show and Tell". All items that are brought into the centre should be labelled and while all care will be taken, we are unable to accept responsibility for any items that are lost or damaged. We ask families to consider carefully what is brought to our service and where possible to provide them directly to their child's educator instead of leaving in children's bags or locker. Remember small items can be a safety risk for the younger children and we do not want to stop children bringing in those special items, (Suzie loves those special visits of a morning from the children telling her all about their special item from home) we just need to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

Dates to Remember

22nd September – Talk and Dress Like a Pirate Day – aarrrrgh you ready for some fun.

5th October – Queens Birthday Public Holiday – the centre will be closed

13th October – Dental 2 U visit – please make sure that you send in your consent forms by 6th October.

30th October – Scary Dress Up Day and dance party.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to speak to Centre Manager - Suzie or 2IC – Chandell - or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mental Health in the Early Years

In our society, we understand mental health to be a health concern or illness, and the stigma has impacted on how we seek help or support and respond to others.

Everyone has mental health, and like physical health, it can range from 'good' to 'poor' and can change over time. Some very young children have mental health difficulties and early childhood communities are well placed to support these children and their families.

Good mental health

Good mental health in early childhood lays the foundations for positive mental health and wellbeing now and into the future. However, good mental health does not mean children will never have a 'bad day'. Occasionally feeling worried, sad, frustrated, or angry is normal. These feelings only become a concern when they make it difficult for people to cope with day-to-day life.

Having good mental health:

Is not about feeling happy all the time

Is about being able to experience and express feelings in different ways, to manage stressful or challenging situations without becoming overwhelmed

Is being able to develop and maintain relationships with others

Is learning and practicing good coping skills to manage feelings and deal with difficulties.

What is mental health in early childhood?

The following definition has been jointly developed by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health and the Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council (2012):

'Mental health in early childhood is seen in the capacity of a young child within the context of their development, family, environment and culture to:

  • participate in the physical and social environment
  • form healthy and secure relationships
  • experience, regulate, understand and express emotions
  • understand and regulate their behaviour
  • interact appropriately with others, including peers
  • develop a secure sense of self.

Early childhood mental health and wellbeing is related to healthy physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Early childhood development and life experiences contribute strongly to a person's mental health and wellbeing during childhood and later in life.'

Mental health difficulties have been defined as 'a very broad range of social, emotional or behavioural difficulties that may cause concern or distress. Mental health difficulties affect children's behaviour, feelings, and learning, relationships with others, as well as their physical health and wellbeing.

Often, the term 'emotional and/or behavioural difficulties' is the description used to talk about mental health difficulties in early childhood. It is also helpful to think about children's mental health as ranging on a continuum from 'good mental health' to 'mental health difficulties'. Many people move from 'good mental health' to 'mental health difficulties' and back again over the course of a lifetime.

There are a range of reasons why young children behave the way they do, and many of them are not due to experiencing mental health difficulties.

Early recognition of children who may be experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties means they can be referred to a mental health professional who can assess whether there is a significant concern present. Mental health professionals work in partnership with families and early childhood educators to come up with strategies to meet the individual needs of the child.

Community services can also be helpful as sometimes they offer groups or programs that are designed to support parenting, which can also have an influence on children's behaviour.

Self-care

Taking care of our mental health is something that is important for everyone. Adults play a pivotal role in children's health and development, and may at times need additional support for their own mental health to do the best job they can.

What are some of the things you can do to take care of yourself and each other?

  • Go for a walk
  • Take breaks
  • Practice mindfulness and gratitude
  • Acknowledge, consider, celebrate
  • Spend time with friends
  • Grow
  • Seek help when you need it
  • Connect
  • Go for a run
  • Sleep well
  • Have a massage

Sourced from www.health.gov.au

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