First 2000 Days: Child and Family Mental Health and Wellbeing

Why is it important?
• Strong emotional health and wellbeing in children provides lifelong health and wellbeing benefits.
• Children feel valued and secure in warm, safe and nurturing relationships with their parents, carers and adults.

What to do?
• Take time to talk, yarn, read, sing, and play together.
• Children need a positive approach to discipline that is kind, consistent and understanding of their behaviour.
     – Think about factors that may influence their behaviour, e.g. hunger or tiredness.
     – Do they have the developmental skills to manage the situation?
     – When excited, frustrated, sad, or embarrassed, comfort and support them.
     – Ensure children have a routine, get enough sleep, eat well, and limit screen time.
• Take care of yourself and ask for support when you need it.