Fostering emotional wellbeing through intergenerational connections: A Songs & Smiles perspective for Children's Mental Health Week
Children's Mental Health Week (5-11 February 2024) is a mental health awareness week that empowers, equips and gives a voice to all children and young people in the UK.
This year’s theme My Voice Matters is about empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves.
This is where we delve into the heartwarming world of Songs & Smiles, exploring how the positive impact of intergenerational activities resonates with the emotional wellbeing of our youngest participants.
“Songs & Smiles has been a weekly ritual for my daughter and I and will continue to be! We’ve both enjoyed seeing familiar faces each week and I can see it’s had an impact on her development both physically and socially. They play a great mix of classic songs with different nursery rhymes each week, and it’s a pleasure to see it bring so much joy to both the residents and to the little ones.”
Intergenerational interactions
In our joyful intergenerational Songs & Smiles sessions, the presence of older people in care homes and assisted living schemes becomes a catalyst for emotional wellbeing among 0-4 year olds. Let's explore six key positive impacts that intergenerational interactions bring to the emotional lives of our little ones:
1. Emotional connection and bonding
Interacting with older adults fosters a sense of attachment and emotional bonding for young children. The nurturing and affectionate interactions with older people create a secure environment, laying the foundation for emotional well-being.
2. Increased socialisation
Songs & Smiles offers an invaluable opportunity for young children to engage socially beyond their immediate circles. Interacting with older individuals broadens their social horizons, enhancing their social skills and emotional development.
3. Expanded support network
The presence of older adults in our sessions extends the support network for young children. Drawing from the wisdom and life experiences of older people, children receive additional emotional support and guidance, enriching their emotional wellbeing.
4. Intergenerational learning
Older adults contribute to the intergenerational learning experience in Songs & Smiles, sharing knowledge, skills, and life lessons. This exchange enhances a child's emotional growth, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
5. Enhanced emotional intelligence
Regular exposure to a variety of emotional states through interactions with older individuals contributes to the development of emotional intelligence in young children. They learn to understand and empathise with different emotions, elevating their own emotional wellbeing.
6. Joy and happiness
The presence of older individuals infuses Songs & Smiles sessions with a contagious sense of joy and happiness. Their playfulness creates a positive environment, uplifting the emotional wellbeing of young children, evoking feelings of happiness and excitement.
It’s not just emotional wellbeing - take a look at our 2023 stats.
Spreading smiles across generations
At The Together Project, our mission is to ensure everyone leaves a Songs & Smiles session with a heart-warming smile. From tiny babies to on-the-go toddlers, parents, guardians, older residents, individuals living with dementia, care home staff, group leaders, and volunteers - everyone is invited to join in the joy!
“Songs & Smiles helps the young children I care for understand and learn how to develop relationships with others, care for others and highlights the importance and understanding of how to spread love and happiness to others in our community.”
Experience the Magic
If you're curious to witness the magic of intergenerational connections and their positive impact on emotional wellbeing, why not book onto a Songs & Smiles session near you? Join us in creating moments of joy and fostering emotional wellbeing across the generations.
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