Wellbeing Explained

Sonia Mainstone-Cotton currently works with Brighter Futures, a specialist team supporting 3- and 4-years-olds who have social, emotional, and mental health needs. She delivers training on children’s SEMH and wellbeing and has written 11 books.

I’m delighted to recommend Wellbeing Explained by Sonia Mainstone-Cotton for anyone interested in any type of Early Years wellbeing. This new book breaks down complex topics into understandable and useful insights and, as ever, Sonia offers practical advice, making it valuable for practitioners and parents alike. It's a heartfelt invitation to weave wellbeing into every aspect of our interactions with children.Sonia uses examples from her own experience, like her morning coffee ritual and using clay in play schemes, to show how wellbeing practices can be integrated into daily life AND professional practice. These examples not only demonstrate effective strategies for supporting children's emotional health but also make the content relatable and actionable. The two-part structure of the book makes it useful both as a ‘dip in and out’ book and an accessible read from beginning to end.This book is an essential read that I wholeheartedly endorse, brimming with wisdom, warmth, and a deep understanding of what it means to truly nurture wellbeing.Kathy Brodie, Early Childhood Studies LecturerA marvellous book that shouts loudly “mental health and wellbeing matters” in the early foundation stages of childhood and throughout all of our lives. Thank you Sonia.Jamel C Campbell, Early Years Educator

• Note from the series editorIntroductionPart 1 - explaining the termsAnxietyACEsAttachment needsCreativity/imaginationDepressionDysregulationEarly interventionEmotional regulationEmotional literacyEnabling environmentFight/ flight/freeze/fawnHolistic developmentListening to childrenLoving PedagogyLeuven ScaleJoyfulnessMental Health first aidNature Deficit DisorderNurtureOutdoorsSEMHSelf-compassionSelf-harmSelf-esteemSelective MutismSelf-regulationSpiritual wellbeingStressSSTEW scaleThriveTransitionsWellbeingWindow of toleranceFurther reading / linksPart 2 - Embedding wellbeing practicesThe rights of the child in relation to wellbeingThe role of the adult in relation to wellbeingHow the adult can prioritise their and their colleagues wellbeingHow we can create an enabling environment which promotes wellbeingHow we can engage parents and work in partnership with them when supporting their children’s wellbeingHow to write a wellbeing policySignposting for further adviceStaff trainingReferences