On many occasions, adults take for granted that children understand all kinds of concepts, simply because they are everyday. However, children are not born with infinite information in their brain, waiting to be needed at the right time. Children have to learn everything, from birth, they begin to learn to recognize sounds, faces, the space that surrounds them and everything that their living environment supposes.
Children's learning never ends, therefore, it is essential to dedicate the necessary time in any circumstance, to explain what fundamental things such as health consist of. Something that in recent times has been more on everyone's lips than ever, they have seen it in advertisements, at school, they have heard it in countless conversations.
But do you really think your children know what health is? They may have some idea, but taking advantage of the fact that today April 7 is celebrated World Health DayWe are going to explain to you, in a way that is appropriate for your age and understanding, what this very important concept for everyone consists of.
What is health
To find the right words, it is very important to be clear about the correct concept and meaning. Because without that foundation, children may be able to misunderstand what is being explained to them. Always keep in mind that as in the game «the broken phone», where information is transformed as it passes from one interlocutor to another, in the case of children it is something similar.
Starting from that base, we must know that the clearest definition of what health is, is the one that includes the (WHO) World Health Organization. Therefore, "Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, and not only the absence of diseases or conditions". That is, the fact of not having physical illnesses is not enough to be able to say that one is healthy.
In this sense it is very important to understand that Mental health It's fundamental, something that in many cases is overlooked. In addition, social health, sharing diverse moments and situations with other people, is essential to achieve the aforementioned state of total well-being. Now that we are clear about what health is, we just have to find the right words to explain it to children.
How to explain the concept of health to children?
Some children will be able to understand it easily, because the WHO definition is quite clear. However, little ones may have trouble understand that a person who is not physically ill, which can be seen with the naked eye, may be a person who is unhealthy. The easiest way to help children understand various concepts is through everyday examples.
For example, starting from factors influencing the welfare state total:
- The physical state: If you fall while playing soccer and hurt your leg, or if you catch a cold and have to spend a few days in bed, it means that you are not in good physical condition.
- La mental salud: When you are sad and you want to cry, or when you are not sure what is wrong with you but you do not feel like playing, it means that something is going on in your mind and therefore you do not have good mental health. Older people get sad for other reasons, but everyone needs to be in good mental health.
- Social welfare: Going out to play with your friends makes you feel good, when you are at school and play in class with your classmates or when you visit your family, you feel very happy and full of joy. This is social welfare, and when you can't do those things that make you feel good, you don't have social welfare.
Without having to look for elaborate words and without using concepts that are too complex, it is possible to explain things as important as what health is to children. Because little ones need to know what health is in order to value it properly and most importantly, learn to take care of your health themselves.