Holistic Approach to Child Development

“Only a system in which all parts flourish is holistic”- Chris Kilham

With increased awareness on the importance of overall development in children growing up to become well-rounded adults, the world is redefining what success and wellness actually implies and the measures adopted to inculcate the right values in children well in their foundational years.

A holistic development is one that supports growth in all spheres of the child’s life- physical, emotional, social and intellectual. It recognizes the interconnectedness of these abilities and the necessity of keen attention to all aspects of wellbeing in order to develop a ‘whole child’. The role of parents in a child’s development is pivotal. Think of it as a teamwork where both need to support each other and learn how to create synergy through playful and collaborative learning experiences.

“We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future.” - Winston Churchill.

Our children are our future and the seed of the right mindset and attitude which they will carry forward to cope with challenges and hurdles has to be planted early on in life. This is what will eventually end up shaping their lives, their relationship with others and their surroundings, and their contribution to the world at large.

The following are the key areas where parents can work together with their children to not only create an ideal environment for them to learn and cultivate their passion for life, but to also blossom individually with an acknowledgement of their unique potential:

Good social skill enables children to enjoy better relationship with their friends and family. Children are curious observers and learners which is why parents need to encourage good social conduct through their own behavior. Show your child your child how fun and rewarding it is to have healthy relationships with others through positive interactions, co-operating, listening, expressing emotions appropriately, practicing good manners and being respectful of others.

Empathetic behavior and learning to care for others can be taught by example or by assigning responsibilities to the child like looking after a pet, being kind to others, helping people in need, supporting their friends and so on. It is always important to recognize the child’s efforts and applaud them for the same. Patting them on the back and saying things like ‘well done’, or ‘I’m proud of you for doing so’, etc. go a long way in encouraging them to develop a strong social skill, high emotional intelligence and a pleasant attitude in general.

The value of respecting one’s surroundings and contributing to the world one lives in has to be instilled from the very start. As parents, we must raise our children in a way that they grow up understanding their interdependence with nature, the importance of resources, living sustainably and responsibly.

Re-using resources, keeping the surroundings clean, respecting plant and animal life and teaching the child about the natural world early on are all things that are conducive to the child’s understanding and appreciation for his environment. Take your child for a walk, point out plants and get them inquisitive about learning the names of different flowers and animals. By living consciously, ourselves we can serve as role models for our children to inculcate similar good habits like cleaning up after oneself, not littering, and participating in acts of shared responsibility towards our environment.

A safe and nurturing environment at home is crucial for the child’s mental well-being and emotional security. Checking in with the child’s individual needs, understanding their unique struggles and identifying with techniques of learning that personally work for them is critical for building their self-esteem and personality. By being good listeners ourselves, we can be of incredible help to our children when it comes to addressing their emotional requirements.

Parents can share their own experiences or narrate relevant incidents that make the child feel connected and understood. Be expressive about your own emotions and also demonstrate how you cope with negative emotions in a healthy and constructive manner. Also, exposing them to various books, music, and stories is hugely important so as to develop their emotional intelligence and expand the horizons of their mind.

Childrens' connection and exploration of their world around depends heavily on their physical well-being. Regular physical activities, adequate sleep and a balanced diet help in promoting their physical well-being. In addition to meeting the nutritional needs of their children, parents can encourage them to eat mindfully without distractions and introduce them to a wide variety of whole foods to enjoy and appreciate from early years.

For physical strength, balance and flexibility, it is important to carve out time for both structured and non-structured activities for children. Structured exercises include simple sports like badminton or soccer, wherein children can build stamina and resistance, and also learn physical discipline. The latter includes more spontaneous movement like going for walks, cycling, skating, playing active games, or jumping rope. The idea is to help children actively connect with the outdoors, get enough sun and nourishment from the right kinds of food, and not limit their idea of fun and entertainment mostly towards digital devices.

Intellectual development in children is about learning and making sense of their ever-expanding world. The different forms of intelligence and capabilities like thinking, reasoning, understanding, attention-span, language, memory, creativity and problem-solving skills are actively involved in their everyday interactions with their environment. Building positive associations with their learning will help children to see learning including academic learning as something that interests and excites them.

Create a stimulating atmosphere at home during your free time by creating fun and challenging games to get them involved in activities that require critical thinking. Asking open-ended questions such as ‘where, what, how, why, who’ is a great way to get their mind ticking; also helping them to think independently and abstractly. Encourage their inherent curiosity and imagination by introducing them to new experiences and taking them to places like museums, exhibitions, libraries and natural spaces that provide them ample opportunities to explore and learn on their own. Nurture their creative expression by getting them actively involved in activities that spark their interest like playing a musical instrument, dancing, painting, reading books, crafting and so on.

“When roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind” - An African proverb.

The holistic approach encourages parents to focus child development in multiple areas, providing them a strong foundation to flourish and live up to their full potential. It equips children with confidence, positive attitude and values to navigate through the ups and downs of life in a balanced way.