As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their emotional well-being. To help guide us, we’ve gathered some valuable advice from our Grade R Teacher, Mrs. Fuzlin Evans, who is also a member of our marketing committee. With her experience and insight, she shares simple yet effective ways parents can contribute to their child’s emotional growth and create a supportive environment at home. Her tips are a great resource for fostering healthy emotional development in your child.
My name is Fuzlin Evans, and I am currently a Grade R Teacher at Risidale Primary School. I am a fun, lovable, and bubbly person who always has a smile to share and an open heart. I believe in spreading kindness and positivity, and I try to brighten everyone’s day with my energy. I have an endless amount of love to give and enjoy building strong, caring relationships with the people around me.
Staying active is really important to me, and I love going to the gym because it helps keep me happy and healthy. It’s a great way for me to have fun while staying fit. I also really enjoy swimming, as it’s a wonderful way to relax and have fun in the water.
When I'm not being active, you’ll probably find me with a good book in my hand or experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. I love reading because it allows me to explore different worlds and learn new things. Trying out new recipes is another passion of mine —there's something special about creating something delicious and sharing it with others.
Whether I’m learning something new, hanging out with friends, or just having fun, I always try to make the most of every day with a smile on my face.
I used to teach at Newclare Primary School. I've worked there for 7 years and I have been in the teaching profession for over a decade.
My advice to every parent at Risidale Primary School is to invest in their emotional well-being.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's emotional well-being, as the experiences and emotional lessons they encounter during their early years significantly impact their future. It's essential to understand that children are highly impressionable, and the way they are supported, loved, and guided emotionally can influence their self-esteem, resilience, and ability to navigate the challenges of life later on.
Here are a few key points for parents to consider:
- Be Present and Attentive: Children need to feel that their emotions are heard and validated. When they express feelings, it's important for parents to listen with empathy, without judgment or immediate solutions. This shows that their feelings matter and encourages open communication.
- Model Healthy Emotional Responses: Children learn by example. Parents should model healthy ways of dealing with emotions—whether it’s expressing sadness, frustration, joy, or excitement. By showing how to handle emotions in a constructive way, children are more likely to develop emotional intelligence.
- Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: It's crucial to foster a home environment where children feel emotionally safe. This includes offering reassurance, stability, and unconditional love, which are foundational for their emotional security.
- Teach Emotional Regulation: Emotions can be overwhelming, especially for young children who are still learning to understand them. Parents can help by teaching techniques for managing big feelings, such as taking deep breaths, using words to express their emotions, or finding calming activities.
- Encourage Expression, Not Suppression: When children are encouraged to express their emotions, they develop a healthy understanding of themselves and their feelings. Instead of telling children to "toughen up" or "don’t cry," parents should allow them to feel and express their emotions in healthy ways.
- Support During Difficult Times: Life can be tough, and children will inevitably face challenges like losing a pet, adjusting to a new school, or dealing with conflicts. Parents can help by providing emotional support during these times, ensuring their children know that they can rely on them for comfort and guidance.
- Acknowledge Their Unique Feelings: Every child is different, and what might seem like a small issue to an adult can be a big deal for a child. Recognizing and acknowledging their feelings, even if they seem trivial, helps to build trust and emotional connection.
By focusing on emotional well-being, parents lay the foundation for their children to grow up with a healthy sense of self, resilience, and emotional intelligence. What children experience in their formative years will likely influence how they handle relationships, stress, and even mental health as adults. Being there for your child emotionally is one of the most important gifts you can give them for a positive future.
