Alexandra-Mooloolaba Community Kindergarten

Good mental health begins by adopting helpful practices, such as making a regular time for children to reflect on their day at home – the good parts AND the not-so-good parts. This promotes connection and meaningful conversation.
Try finding a quiet time (such as dinner time or bed time) to share a daily ‘storm’ and ‘rainbow’ – one thing that didn’t go well and one thing that did, for both of you. It’s a simple way to create space for sharing of anything that may be bothering or worrying them, while also practicing gratefulness. Celebrate the storm-free days – recognizing these is vital!
When adults sensitively share challenges, it shows that we navigate tricky things too, and we can model resilience. Go one step further by occasionally talking about an ‘umbrella’ used during the storm: what strategy was useful, or might be useful as a tool next time? When we share rainbows it’s a perfect opportunity to remind children how much they are loved and treasured, and how they brighten our lives just by being here.