Home is your child’s first world. Ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week, Early Help and Wellbeing Specialist Melanie Fisher of Bright Horizons UK offers simple steps to create a nurturing environment that supports your child’s emotional security, confidence, and creativity. What matters most is how it makes your child feel: calm, cared for, and connected to you.
Melanie is a licensed trainer of for the Thrive Approach, which emphasises building strong, nurturing relationships and fostering a supportive environment for children to develop resilience and emotional wellbeing.
A safe space is an environment where your child feels secure, supported, and free to express themselves without fear of harm, judgment, or undue stress. For children in their early years, a safe space is crucial for fostering mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Here are some ways to make your home a safe space for your child:
Make Home Predictable:
Routines create stability. If you work from home, have a dedicated workspace and let your child know when you’ll be available. This builds trust and helps them feel secure. Involving them in routines strengthens their sense of belonging. Simple rituals, like a “good morning” hug, can ground them, enabling co-regulation.
Create a “Comfort Zone”:
Big emotions can be overwhelming. A dedicated spot with cushions, a blanket, and sensory items helps them feel secure. Label it a “Cosy Spot” or “Calm Corner” to associate it with relaxation. Teach them it’s a safe space when they need time alone. This encourages emotional independence. Having a specific area for play or messy activities reduces stress and creates order.
Declutter to Reduce Overstimulation:
A cluttered space can overwhelm. Keeping things simple promotes calmness. Rotate toys and pack away unused items. A cleaner environment helps them focus and feel less overstimulated.
Use Soothing Design Choices:
The look and feel of your home impact your child’s mood. Neutral or pastel colours, soft textures, and warm lighting create a calming atmosphere. Use child-safe plants, wooden toys, and natural textures. Let in natural light and position play areas near windows.
Outdoor Spaces and Mental Wellbeing:
Time outdoors is beneficial. Gardening, free play, and daily fresh air improve mood and energy levels. Bring the outside in with leaves, pinecones, or stones for sensory play.
Keeping It Safe and Child-Friendly:
Physical safety is crucial. Child-proof your home to prevent accidents and allow exploration. Secure heavy furniture, ensure age-appropriate materials, and use safety gates. These measures protect your child physically and help them explore confidently.
Your home doesn’t have to be perfect to be a haven. Ultimately, what makes an emotionally safe space for the child, is the adult. By making small, intentional changes, you lay the foundation for their mental wellbeing.
Bright Horizons and a Nurture Approach
With approximately 300 community and workplace nurseries across the UK, Bright Horizons supports all children through its unique Nurture Approach. Each of its nurseries has a specialist SEND practitioner with a passion for supporting the children in their care and Thrive Licenced Practitioners can offer further specialist support for children who need some extra help with their social and emotional development.
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