Goodstart Strategies for Empowering Resilient Children
By Marnie Adams, Contributor @ Kids In Perth 16 Sep 2023
Image/Video Credit: Goodstart Early Learning, Facebook, YouTube.
Why is it that some children seem to rise above challenges and bounce back positively?
We’ve all seen those children in the playground who take a tumble, get straight back up, brush themselves off and get on with their day – completely unfazed.
Truth is these children are showing their natural resilience.
It's a built-in capacity for dealing with setbacks or disappointment and not letting these factors stop them from having fun.
Children with resilience enjoy many benefits.
They'll confidently ask for help when they need it, comfortable with changes to plans to accommodate the day, use strategies to manage emotions, keep trying if something doesn’t work out – and generally better at coping with challenges that life naturally throws at them.
Unfortunately, not every child is naturally resilient.
Not all children are born with resilience so it’s important that they develop this character.
It can help deal with potentially stressful situations, such as starting a new childcare centre, going to school or making friends in the playground.
A child’s personality can play a big part in whether they need more support in developing resilience, but external factors are also a guiding factor.
Parents in particular have an active role in helping their children develop resilience throughout their lives. As adults, we all need to be aware of how we deal with stressful situations, because children learn by watching our reactions.
How can you build resilience in children?
There’s no short-cut to building resilience, so don’t be disappointed if your efforts return little reward at first. It’s a skill that builds up throughout life, but here are some good starting points:
Parental Praise
Praise your child for effort and persistence, even if they don’t achieve the desired outcome. It will help them to try, try and try again.
Nurture your child
Ensure your child is surrounded by caring relationships. When a child feels loved, supported and accepted, it’s easier for them to get through the hard times.
Be a Role Model
Be a good role model by being patient, using humour, keeping calm, staying positive and controlling emotions. Children will model this behaviour.
Gallery | What to expect
Image/Video Credit: Goodstart Early Learning, Facebook.
Seek out Mother's Support Groups & Communities
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Community groups may offer courses to help parents learn to reduce stress, manage challenging behaviour or support special needs.
Take Deep Breaths
Teach your child to take deep breaths when they’re feeling stressed, find a quiet place to calm down, ask for help, or switch to something they enjoy doing.
Help children to understand that their feelings are okay. It means they can express their frustration or worry more easily.
Allow children to problem solve and work out ways of dealing with their own issues.
Build Confidence
Build up your child’s confidence by encouraging them to keep trying, to find out what their strengths are and to learn that mistakes are okay.
Take time out to allow children to play and have fun. This enables them to build confidence, solve problems and master new skills.
Be Positive
Encourage children to laugh and have fun. This helps them to look at the bright side of situations and feel positive.
Teachers and educators at Goodstart spend a lot of time emotion-coaching and helping children to build their confidence and resilience.
It’s an important skill for the transition to school, as well as being useful in their later life.
Learn more the benefits of Goodstart Early Learning for your child by visiting their website or making an appointment to tour your nearest centre.
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Image/Video Credit: Goodstart Early Learning, Facebook.
Goodstart Program | Learn More
The Goodstart Program
Goodstart’s early learning program is based on the Early Years Learning Framework. The Goodstart program is flexible, individual and engaging.
The Early Years Learning Framework
The EYLF defines the principles, practices and outcomes essential to every early learning program. It ensures all children, from birth to five years of age, receive high-quality learning experiences.
The Framework has strong emphasis towards play-based learning and aims to achieve five overall Learning Outcomes:
- Children have a strong sense of identity.
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
- Children are confident and involved learners.
- Children are effective communicators.
Learn more about the NQF by visiting acecqa.gov.au
Services
Image/Video Credit: Goodstart Early Learning, Facebook.
Early Learning & Childcare
Goodstart Early Learning's quality early learning programs help children build the social-emotional, language and thinking skills they need to be successful in school and life. Children are encouraged to explore, discover, experience, and above-all have fun.
Image/Video Credit: Goodstart Early Learning, Facebook.
Kindergarten and Preschool
Goodstart Early Learning's play-based programs offer a great start for school and the best start in life.
Their kindergarten and preschool programs are designed and delivered by bachelor-qualified teachers.
Giving children the skills and confidence they need to prepare them for school and life. With 660 centres across Australia, you’ll find a Goodstart kindergarten or preschool near your home or work.
Image/Video Credit: Goodstart Early Learning, Facebook.
Goodstart at Home
Extend your child’s learning to the home environment.
Goodstart at Home enriches and extend your child’s learning at home through play!
It's a regularly updated online collection of fun and enriching learning activities and experiences for you and your child to discover at home.
Explore some sample learning experiences by clicking the button below.
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Planner | Learn More
About
Image/Video Credit: Goodstart Early Learning, Facebook.
Benefits of Goodstart’s Kindergarten Program:
Working Parents: Goodstart offers long day care, with some centres open from 6:30am to 6:30pm, accommodating the needs of working parents. Unlike school-based kindy, which operates only 2.5 days per week, Goodstart provides more hours of educational development.
Convenience: Goodstart's comprehensive program eliminates the need to arrange separate OSHC services, saving you time and hassle.
Quality Kindy Program: Goodstart's kindy program is led by qualified educators with Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching degrees.
What parents are saying...
Image/Video Credit: Goodstart Early Learning, Facebook.
Parent Testimonials
"Everything she is doing, especially her teaching background and professionalism you can really see the kids inspired by what she can do."
Peter - Goodstart dad
"He’s confident (and) curious about the world around him and he’s made a great start with language and numbers."
Kym - Goodstart mum
"Goodstart was the best decision ever."
Vicky - Goodstart mum
Hints & Tips
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Fees & Rebates
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Calculator | Out of pocket expense?
Use the Childcare Subsidy Calculator below to estimate your out of pocket expenses.
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Careers | Why work at Goodstart?
At Goodstart Early Learning, find a job that changes lives, and a place that works for you.
If you’re looking to work for an organisation with an inspiring purpose, offers a flexible and family-friendly work environment, encourages personal development then Goodstart Early Learning might just be the place for you!
Qualified Educator roles
Passionate about giving children the best possible start in life?
Looking for a place that will invest in your career development and support you to enjoy life outside work?
Does this sound like your purpose? Click the button below to learn more about not only Educator roles but much more if you're to pursue a career journey with Goodstart Early Learning!
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Goodstart Early Learning
1800 222 543
goodstart.org.au
53 Locations around WA
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