Why focus on mental health in early childhood?
At The Vines Early Learning Centre, we shone a light on wellbeing and the importance of caring for both our minds and our hearts. Supporting mental health starts early and by helping tamariki understand emotions, kindness, and connection, we nurture lifelong skills for resilience and self-worth.
Our tamariki spent the week exploring what makes them happy. We talked about kindness: how being kind to ourselves and others makes everyone feel good inside.
Throughout the week, our tamariki:
- Explored what makes them feel happy and calm
- Shared kind words about themselves while looking in the mirror
- Did mindful drawing
- Talked about how kindness helps everyone feel good inside.
It was a lovely reminder that mental health starts with the small things: kindness, connection, and self-love.
What was this year’s theme?
Each year, Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) gives us the chance to pause, reflect, and focus on our wellbeing.
The 2025 national theme for Mental Health Awareness Week was “Top Up Together.” It encouraged everyone to fill their wellbeing cup by practising the Five Ways to Wellbeing each day. These five steps help boost mood, strengthen relationships and build emotional resilience. They are simple actions that can make a big difference in how we feel every day, at any age.
What are the Five Ways to Wellbeing?
Here’s how we explored the five principles at The Vines ELC:
1. Me whakawhanaunga / Connect
Building social connections helps children feel seen, valued, and part of a community.
- We encouraged tamariki to share stories and play cooperatively.
- Kaiako modelled empathy, listening and respect.
2. Tukua / Give
Giving teaches kindness and generosity.
- Tamariki practised saying kind words to friends.
- We talked about helping each other and how it makes our hearts feel full.
3. Me kori tonu / Be Active
Movement is essential for happy, healthy minds.
- Outdoor play, climbing, running and dancing all lifted our spirits.
- Being active together helped build teamwork and joy.
4. Me aro tonu / Take Notice
Taking notice encourages mindfulness and gratitude.
- We paused to listen, notice the world around us, and be present.
- Children described what they could hear, see and feel, building emotional awareness.
5. Me ako tonu / Keep Learning
Learning something new keeps our minds curious and open.
- Tamariki experimented with art materials and explored new textures.
- We celebrated the excitement that comes from discovery and creativity.
Why is connection so important?
Social connection is the ngākau (heart) of wellbeing. It weaves us together and helps us feel seen, heard and understood. Research shows that when people feel connected, they are:
- Happier and more confident
- More resilient to stress
- Better able to express emotions.
Tamariki thrive when they feel connected to their whānau, peers, and the wider world around them. When they feel safe and supported, they are free to explore, create, and grow. A strong sense of belonging is at the heart of a happy, confident learner and connection happens naturally through play and relationships.
How can whānau support wellbeing at home?
Supporting wellbeing doesn’t have to be complicated. Try small actions that fill your family’s “wellbeing cup”:
- Take Notice: Go for a walk and ask your child what they see, hear, and smell.
- Give: Do something kind for a friend or neighbour together. A smile or a helping hand can make someone’s day.
- Connect: Check in with friends and whānau; ask how they’re doing. Share a meal and talk about what made everyone smile today.
- Be Active: Dance in the lounge or play a quick game outside.
- Keep Learning: Encourage curiosity by learning something new together. Try a new recipe, song, or game as a whānau.
Together, we thrive
Connecting is such an important part of life at The Vines. From playtime to shared celebrations, tamariki learn that being together, showing empathy, and supporting friends all help us grow strong minds and caring hearts.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a gentle reminder that caring for our wellbeing is a shared journey. We can all take steps to care for ourselves and those around us. Whether it’s through kindness, gratitude, or spending time together, these small actions help us all to thrive, and when we model kindness, gratitude, and openness, we help our children build the tools they need to navigate life’s ups and downs.
At The Vines ELC, we are proud to create an environment where connection, compassion, and confidence grow side by side, because the best learning happens with friends by our sides.
Want to join us? Find out more and book your visit.
Together, we’re helping our tamariki grow happy minds and kind hearts.