Note from the series editor
Introduction
Part 1 - explaining the terms
Anxiety
ACEs
Attachment needs
Creativity/imagination
Depression
Dysregulation
Early intervention
Emotional regulation
Emotional literacy
Enabling environment
Fight/ flight/freeze/fawn
Holistic development
Listening to children
Loving Pedagogy
Leuven Scale
Joyfulness
Mental Health first aid
Nature Deficit Disorder
Nurture
Outdoors
SEMH
Self-compassion
Self-harm
Self-esteem
Selective Mutism
Self-regulation
Spiritual wellbeing
Stress
SSTEW scale
Thrive
Transitions
Wellbeing
Window of tolerance
Further reading / links
Part 2 - Embedding wellbeing practices
The rights of the child in relation to wellbeing
The role of the adult in relation to wellbeing
How the adult can prioritise their and their colleagues wellbeing
How we can create an enabling environment which promotes wellbeing
How we can engage parents and work in partnership with them when supporting their children’s wellbeing
How to write a wellbeing policy
Signposting for further advice
Staff training
References
Biography
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 Lecturer
A 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
