Establishing a supportive home environment

As a parent, guardian or caregiver, it is important to realise the importance of implementing a home environment where children are supported emotionally, physically and psychologically.

The process may take a while, but when done consistently, it becomes a habit that yields great results.

Attending to children's needs allows them to feel a sense of love and care. Rendering emotional support means validating your child’s feelings rather than shutting them down. When your child expresses their emotions and you support them, you give them a foundation for growth and development.

“It is not only the role of parents to teach children how to handle their emotions. We as housekeepers and nannies also spend time with children in their home – hence, it is important to step in there as well,” says Laudika Simon, who works as a housekeeper in Windhoek.

She spends most of her time caring for children when their parents are not around. She said the role of a nanny or housekeeper goes beyond completing house chores.

Benefits of emotional support

When you emotionally support children, the whole family reaps the benefits. Emotional support shows children that they are in a safe space to seek help, no matter what.

It is important to give children space and the opportunity to explore their feelings and share them without fear or invalidation. When they explore their day-to-day feelings, they become better equipped to deal with the bigger emotions and issues that adults face. Being emotionally supportive towards children creates a stable environment that is happier, builds their confidence and fosters resilience.

Physical support

Supporting children physically can be as easy as involving them in your fitness routines.

Whether you decide to exercise with them at home, at the gym or in the outdoors, the results can be rewarding.

Erastus James is the father of two girls and one boy who are all under 15 years old. He said being a fitness enthusiast has made it easier for him to include his three children in simple, fun and easy workouts. “At first, I had to ask them to come along for an afternoon walk or to join me in home workouts,” he said.

James said when he has had a busy day and wants to skip a workout, they ask him: “Dad, when are we exercising again?” This is a great way to help them and yourself stay fit, he said.

Psychological support

Children’s mental well-being is not only great for their progression – it is also a way to help them become self-reliant in this regard.

Amongst supporting children’s psychological well-being, raisingchildren.net highlights that “good mental health is an important part of healthy child development. It helps children build positive social, emotional, thinking and communication skills. This also lays the foundation for better mental health and well-being for their future.”