The positive impact of intergenerational activities on the emotional wellbeing of 0-4 year olds
The presence of older people in care homes and assisted living schemes during Songs & Smiles sessions can have a positive impact on the emotional wellbeing of little ones in several ways.
6 top positive impacts
1. Emotional Connection and Bonding: Interactions with older adults can help young children develop a sense of attachment and emotional bonding. The presence of older people provides additional nurturing and affectionate interactions, leading to a sense of security and emotional well-being.
2. Increased Socialisation: Songs & Smiles sessions involving older people offer an opportunity for young children to engage in social interactions beyond their immediate family or peers. This can significantly enhance their social skills and emotional development as they learn to interact with different individuals from diverse age groups.
3. Expanded Support Network: Having older adults present during these sessions can broaden a child's support network. Older people often have wisdom and life experiences that they can share, providing additional emotional support and guidance to the young children.
4. Intergenerational Learning: Older adults can impart knowledge, skills, and life lessons to young children during Songs & Smiles sessions. This intergenerational learning helps enhance a child's emotional growth, empathy, and understanding of the world around them.
5. Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Regular exposure to older people can contribute to the development of emotional intelligence in young children. They are exposed to a range of emotions and learn to understand and empathize with different emotional states, enhancing their own emotional well-being.
6. Joy and Happiness: The presence of older people in Songs & Smiles sessions can create an atmosphere of joy and happiness. Older adults often bring a sense of playfulness and create a positive environment, which can boost the emotional well-being of young children and evoke feelings of happiness and excitement.
Our mission
Our mission is for everyone to come away from a Songs & Smiles session smiling, and we mean everyone - tiny babies, on-the-go toddlers, parents and guardians, older residents, people living with dementia, care home staff, group leaders and our volunteers - we all have a great time.
If you’d like to see for yourself, why not book now for a Songs & Smiles near you?
Notes: It's important to note that the specific impact may vary depending on individual circumstances, the child's temperament, and the quality of interactions. Additionally, the emotional well-being of young children is also influenced by various other factors such as their family environment, caregiver interactions, and overall development.