Routledge Promoting Well-Being in the Pre-School Years: Research, Applications and Strategies

Promoting Well-Being in the Pre-School Years provides evidence-based research and real-life strategies that support social and emotional development and well-being for children aged 3–5 years. It places emphasis on nurturing social emotional competence through purposeful scaffolding activities and how these can be used by children and families to create a harmonious platform for building resilience and positive relationships with family and the community. Drawing on principles from Positive Psychology and Positive Education, it is illustrated throughout with examples of sustainable practice in diverse, global settings. Key topics explored include: Contemporary well-being concepts, including ‘grit’, ‘growth mindset’ and ‘gratitude’, as well as ‘classic’ constructs such as coping and self-efficacy The attitudes and skills that need to be developed to ensure that young children flourish Cognitive and sociocultural perspectives complemented by neuroscience and epigenetics Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the early years curriculum Using visual tools – the Early Years Coping Cards How we measure young children’s coping The relationship between coping, stress and mental health Recognition of the importance of parents’ own coping skills How partnerships with communities can improve children’s SEL. Promoting Well-Being in the Pre-School Years shows how we can support young children to develop an understanding of what it means to be happy and to flourish as a socially responsible member of the family and wider community. It is essential reading for teachers, parents and professionals who work with young children, as well as academics in child development. Review Combining their interdisciplinary heritages of early childhood education and psychology, Deans, Frydenberg and Lian have produced an outstanding scholarly publication that will be welcomed by professionals working with young children and their families. Given the complex challenges impacting family life in contemporary society, this text offers much needed guidance in strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of young children. Research rich insights provoke thinking and provide a sound platform for considering suggestions that are practical and relevant to today’s families. The warmth of intergenerational nurturing and reciprocal nature of these relationships are beautifully captured in this text. Recommended as an essential text for initial teacher education as well as continuing professional development of experienced teachers, social workers and psychologists. Professor Manjula Waniganayake Professor of Early Childhood Education Macquarie University, Australia   Combining their interdisciplinary heritages of early childhood education and psychology, Deans, Frydenberg and Lian have produced an outstanding scholarly publication that will be welcomed by professionals working with young children and their families. Given the complex challenges impacting family life in contemporary society, this text offers much needed guidance in strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of young children. Research rich insights provoke thinking and provide a sound platform for considering suggestions that are practical and relevant to today’s families. The warmth of intergenerational nurturing and reciprocal nature of these relationships are beautifully captured in this text. Recommended as an essential text for initial teacher education as well as continuing professional development of experienced teachers, social workers and psychologists. Professor Manjula Waniganayake Professor of Early Childhood Education Macquarie University, Australia Promoting Well-Being in the Pre-School Years opens the doors for positive education and positive psychology practices in early childhood education and provides an innovative theory and research-driven resource to build wellbeing in young children through social and emotio