Why Is Wellbeing So Important in the Early Years?

What Do We Mean by “Children’s Wellbeing”?

Children’s wellbeing is about more than just physical health. It includes:

• Emotional wellbeing – feeling safe, secure, and able to manage big feelings with support.

• Social wellbeing – developing strong connections with caregivers, teachers, and peers.

• Cognitive wellbeing – having the focus and energy to explore, play, and learn.

• Physical wellbeing – healthy sleep, nutrition, and activity that support growth and regulation.

In simple terms, wellbeing is about whether a child feels safe, loved, and connected. When those needs are met, the brain is free to learn, explore, and thrive.

The Science Behind Early Wellbeing

Research from neuroscience and child development shows that the first five years of life are critical for brain development. During this time:

•        Neural pathways are built at rapid speed, shaping how children respond to stress, form relationships, and learn new skills.

•        Secure relationships provide a “buffer” against stress, helping children regulate emotions and feel safe.

•         Positive early experiences lay the groundwork for resilience, problem-solving, and confidence.

• When wellbeing is supported, children’s brains develop in ways that set them up for long-term success. Without it, stress and dysregulation can get in the way of learning and lead to challenges later in life.

Why Wellbeing Matters in Preschool and Kindergarten

By the time children enter preschool or school, many already carry emotional loads—anxiety, stress, or difficulties regulating their behaviour. Teachers often notice:

•        Children arriving dysregulated and struggling with transitions.

•         Increasing numbers of children displaying “big behaviours.”

•        Students who find it hard to focus, share, or engage in play and learning.

• These are not signs of “bad behaviour” but signals that a child’s wellbeing needs attention. When children feel emotionally safe and supported, their capacity to learn expands.

Wellbeing Unlocks Learning

Think of the brain like a house. If the foundation is shaky, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the walls are—the house won’t stand strong. Wellbeing is that foundation.

Children who feel safe and supported are more likely to:

•        Engage in play and exploration.

•         Build positive relationships with teachers and peers.

•         Develop self-confidence and a strong sense of identity.

• Persist through challenges and recover from setbacks.

In short, wellbeing is not separate from learning—it is what makes learning possible.

The Role of Educators in Supporting Wellbeing

·         Educators in the early years have a powerful opportunity to shape children’s wellbeing. By embedding practices into daily routines, teachers can:

•        Create a Safe and Predictable Environment – Consistent routines, warm welcomes, and clear expectations help children feel secure.

•         Build Strong, Trusting Relationships – Children thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued.

• Embed Emotional Literacy – Simple practices like feelings charts, storybooks about emotions, and naming feelings out loud help children recognise and express their inner world.

•         Support Play as a Pathway to Wellbeing – Play fosters creativity, cooperation, and problem-solving—skills closely tied to wellbeing and resilience.

• Prioritise Educator Wellbeing Too – Teacher wellbeing directly impacts children by modelling calm regulation and creating emotional safety

The Upstream Approach

There’s a parable about villagers rescuing children from a river. Day after day, they pulled more children from the water—until one villager walked upstream to ask why the children were falling in.

This story mirrors our work in education. Instead of only reacting to dysregulated behaviour in classrooms, we can walk upstream and focus on prevention. By embedding wellbeing into early education, we reduce stress, build resilience, and give children the tools to thrive before problems become overwhelming.

Long-Term Benefits of Early Wellbeing

The impact of early wellbeing doesn’t stop at preschool or kindergarten. Research shows that children who experience strong wellbeing in their early years are more likely to:

•        Succeed academically.

•         Develop positive relationships and social skills.

•        Show resilience in the face of challenges.

•        Enjoy long-term mental health and wellbeing.

In contrast, when wellbeing is neglected, children may face greater risks of anxiety, behavioural difficulties, and disengagement from school.

Key Takeaways

·         Wellbeing in the early years is foundational. It underpins learning, relationships, and resilience.

·         Educators play a central role. Small daily practices can transform classrooms into safe, nurturing spaces.

·         Prevention is powerful. Walking upstream to support wellbeing early is far more effective than reacting to challenges later.

Final Word

When we invest in children’s wellbeing in the early years, we’re not just supporting happy, calm classrooms—we’re shaping the future of our communities. Every child deserves to go to bed at night feeling safe, loved, and valued. As educators, we have the privilege and responsibility to make that a reality.

Ready to build a calmer, more connected classroom? Get your FREE copy of the Calm Classroom Toolkit — your go-to resource for promoting children’s wellbeing, teacher resilience, and emotional safety every day. Practical, heart- centred, and easy to use — because calm classrooms start with calm teachers.

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