Connecting Mind, Body, and Heart
Children depend on caring grown-ups to learn and thrive in every way.
By Amy Shriver, MD
Mind, body, and heart are all one, and caring grown-ups can help show the connections among them. Together, these three elements fuel growth and learning, help children develop healthy relationships with themselves, and build healthy connections with others.
When children are healthy in mind, body, and heart, they’re set up to reach their full potential. As a parent or caregiver, everything you do—all your loving responses and interactions—help your little one develop in all three areas:
Healthy Minds: Caring for a young child means stimulating their brains by having positive, playful interactions like singing, talking, playing games, and reading.
Healthy Bodies: Build strong bodies by offering nutritious food, making sure children get the recommended hours of sleep, and ensuring they move their bodies every day. All these physical healthy habits support children’s developing brains and emotional wellness.
Healthy Hearts: An equally important part of caregiving is addressing a young child’s emotional needs—their “hearts.” A healthy inner life helps children understand and manage their feelings, connect with their parents, caregivers, and peers, as well as be good friends to themselves.
Amy Shriver is a pediatrician at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines and Assistant Professor of Specialty Medicine at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She serves on the Executive Board of the Council on Early Childhood and is Medical Director of Reach Out and Read Iowa.
Taking Care of My Brain
Mental health is part of overall health—healthy minds and bodies are all one. Help children understand how important our brains are, and how we can take care of them!
Caring for My Brain: Bedtime Meltdown
When children don’t get enough rest, their big feelings may feel even bigger… and less manageable!
Caring for My Brain: Brain Food
Food impacts our feelings and moods!
Caring for My Brain: Twiddlebugs Get Moving
When we move our bodies, we’re taking care of our brains.
Thanks, Feelings Helpers!
Help children understand the role of “feelings helpers”—social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals who know how to help when big feelings get too big.
Count on This! The 6-Second Hug
Hugs that last six seconds or more are best for soothing our minds and calming our bodies… helpful for adults and children alike!
Count on This! The 10-Second Hum
Humming for 10 seconds or more can help both children and adults calm their minds and bodies.