Wellness and Wellbeing in Childcare in Australia - Literature review Example

Wellness and Wellbeing in Childcare Student’s Name Course Tutor’s Name Date: Introduction Australia has in the last few decades made fair progress in improving the holistic health status of its people (National Public Health Partnership (NPHP), 2005). However, it is also evident that the progress has not been experienced uniformly by all people. Lewis (2011) and Parker et al. (2006) for example cite the cultural differences as one of the main causes of the holistic health disparities, while NPHP (2005) states that a combination of factors including income levels, education/literacy levels, disability, quality of housing, and substance use/misuse contribute to the disparities. The Mosby’s Medical Dictionary (2009) defines holistic health as a concept that perceives the individual as an integrated being consisting of the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental facets. To attain holistic health therefore, it is argued that the wellness and wellbeing of the individual has to be optimal. Before delving into the causes of the holistic health disparities in Australia, and especially their effect on the wellness and wellbeing of children, it is important to adopt working definitions of some key terms that will be used in the essay. This is especially important for clarity’s sake considering that different authors have adopted different definitions for terms such as ‘health’, ‘wellness’ and ‘wellbeing’. The term wellness is an umbrella term referring to “the proper harmony and balance resulting from promoting the wellbeing of all the different facets, constitutive elements or domains of existence of a person” (Kirsten, Van der Walt, & Viljoen, 2009, p. 5). In other words, wellness is only attainable if there is harmony between a person’s mind, body, and soul. Wellbeing on the other hand is defined as a “condition of specific aspects of health/wellness... such as the physical, the psychological or the social” (Kirsten et al., p. 5). A person’s wellbeing includes their physical body, the mind, emotions, spirit, behaviour, and social relationships including their interconnectedness with the environment. On its part, health is defined as the “state of optimal functioning of a human being, a state of enjoying a good quality of life and experiencing a feeling of complete equilibrium” (Kirsten et al., p. 5). Looking at these definitions, it appears like there is no much difference between health and wellness; and as such, the two terms will be used interchangeably in the essay. The causes of holistic health disparities Among the people that record low levels of holistic health include the Indigenous communities in Australia, the low-income earning groups, the physically disabled, the illiterate, and the mentally challenged demographic segments of the society (NPHP, 2005). Notably, the lack of wellness and wellbeing does not just affect one person in the identified demographic segments; rather, it affects entire households. For example, a child from an economically disadvantaged background may lack sufficient food, which in turn may affect their physical and mental development. The child may further lack access to education, and their chances of accessing quality healthcare may also be minimal. In such cases, the absence of holistic health permeates the entire household including the parents and their dependants. Addressing the holistic health disparities between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, Lewis (2011) observes that the former are affected by factors such as their colonised past, their health beliefs, and the “inflexibility of Western health professionals” (p. 2). Additionally, the Indigenous communities’ sense of racial inferiority, their dislocation from their ancestral lands, and the health professionals’ dismissal of the Indigenous communities’ spiritual and social beliefs all contribute to the poor holistic health outcomes registered in the communities (Lewis, 2011). Eckermann et al. (2010) has similar opinions to Lewis (2011) observing that the Indigenous communities have a holistic approach to wellness since they perceive the physical, spiritual and social aspects of their living as being interconnected, and contributing to their overall health. A disruption in one of the factors therefore causes a decline in their wellness and wellbeing. Holistic health disparities, although concentrated among Indigenous communities living in rural areas, are not by any means a reserve of such communities only. As indicated by NPHP (2005), other factors such as physical disability, less-than-optimal mental health, economic status, literacy levels, and substance use are among other factors that cause disparities in what would be considered ‘mainstream communities’. The term ‘mainstream communities’ in this case is used in reference to communities who are not disadvantaged either by cultural orientations, or their geographical location. For example, the urban populations (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) still register holistic health disparities despite their access to health services, better housing (although this is a subjective condition), and better access to education. Government policies also have a major effect on the holistic wellness and wellbeing of the populace especially since it is such policies that determine the targeted interventions on communities that have historically registered poor overall health outcomes. As the overseer of its citizenry’s wellbeing, the federal government and the respective regional governments have not paid enough attention to ensuring that the disparities in health outcomes are reduced. For example, identified demographic segments such as the disabled people, the mentally challenged, the single-household families with no regular source of income, and other disadvantaged population segments should be the recipient of targeted government affirmative policies which when effected, would improve their physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental wellness. Durey and Thompson (2012) for example suggest that disadvantaged demographic segments should benefit from government policies that grant them funding and adequate coverage in areas where they have inadequacies. For example, the economically disadvantaged populations should benefit from policies that ensure they have their basic needs in food, housing, clothing, education, and healthcare (routine medical checkups and complex treatments) covered. Social and environmental aspects have also been found to have an effect on the disparities registered in different population segments. The presence or absence of social support among communities may for example determine the overall wellness and wellbeing of a person. Additionally, people working in high-stress jobs are more likely to register lower holistic health outcomes, while those living in urban areas where pollution acts as a source of mental, physical and emotional stressors may also be subject to reduced chances of attaining holistic health especially if they do not get the support needed to develop coping mechanisms. Actions that early childhood centres can take to reduce holistic health disparities for children Parents are increasingly entrusting their children to childhood centres as they undertake other activities. As dedicated facilities to child care, the childhood centres should therefore adopt actions that are likely to reduce holistic health disparities in children. As indicated by NPHP (2005), one of the ideal ways through which childhood centres can reduce holistic health disparities is by improving the knowledge and skills of their workforce. This point is also noted by Greenman (1988), who aptly states that “the most important ingredient in good care for babies is the child’s caregiver” (p. 53). NPHP observes that a competent workforce would play a vital role in ensuring that the wellness and development need of each child is met. Some of the skills necessary in the workforce are ensuring that they are sensitive to the physical, spiritual, mental, and cultural needs of each child (NPHP, 2005). The government as an interested stakeholder in the reduction of holistic health disparities also has a role to play especially in relation to the development of curriculum models which should be disseminated to childcare facilities throughout the country as suggested by NPHP (2005, p. 14). Additionally, the government can work with the childcare facilities to ensure that the workers “have access to consistent, quality evidence about effective ways of working with children and families” (NPHP, 2005, p. 14). As has been noted by Greenman (1988), the relationships between caregivers and individual children should provide “the security and encouragement to venture into the world” (pp. 50-51). Ideally, the caregivers should not ignore, reject or interfere with the children’s wishes, especially if such is done based on the caregiver’s moods, wishes or activities. The second critical aspect in reducing holistic heath disparities in children is ensuring that the environment they are exposed to reduces any chances that may exist for the creation of disparities. For example, the National Childcare Accreditation Council (2005) has a principle that requires early childhood systems and educators to have diverse policies and philosophies for purposes of ensuring that all demographic segments (e.g. the Indigenous communities, children from separated families, and those from minority groups) are well catered for in the childcare system. The childcare workers further need to be sensitive to the social factors that may undermine holistic health. For example, when handling children from a family that has conflict, the workers should perhaps take the role of a therapeutic educator as recommended by Sorin (2004), whereby play therapy can be used to overcome the conflict witnessed at home. As indicated by Katz and McClennan (1997) however, the childcare providers should not show their sympathetic feelings towards a child who is undergoing challenges in their home environment, because such would only provide the child with a leverage through which they can excuse their bad behaviour, or feel socially excluded. However, the care provider can acknowledge the emotions in the child, empathise with the child, and use strategies that would help them attain social inclusion and confidence in their physical and mental abilities, and cement their spirituality as a source of peace and tranquillity (Katz & McClennan, 1997). Childcare centres can also can also help children develop an understanding of their connections with nature as suggested by Elliot (2003), and this can usually provide them with the calming effect when need be. McDonald (2011) has extensively discussed the subject of social exclusion and its effects on children’s holistic health, and argues that childhood centres can help minimise the holistic health inequalities by: encouraging parents and children to form informal support networks; encouraging parents to take up leadership roles in programmes involving their children; and encouraging children and their parents to participate in community activities, and when the opportunity arises, participate in decision-making (p. 1). Construction of common rooms is also a suggestion by Greenman (1988), which could be used to reduce holistic health disparities among children this is because common rooms can enhance social inclusion of all children, and perhaps their parents too especially during meetings. Greenman (1988) suggests that the common rooms should be thoughtfully planned in order to create an environment where families, childhood centre workers, and the children can interact comfortably and effectively. In conclusion, it is worth noting that holistic health in children, just as is the case in adults, depends on many variables. As McMurray (2007) suggests therefore, educators and childhood centre workers need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to develop strategies that will enhance their abilities to identify influencers that may undermine holistic health in children under their care. Additionally, childhood centres and the workers therein must develop intervention strategies that will reduce the holistic health disparities among children. Childhood centres serving historically disadvantaged population segments may specifically need to pay attention in order to ensure the negative influencers that have led to the disparities are demystified in the minds of children. For example, children from minority groups can be made to understand that their cultural backgrounds do not necessarily have to negatively influence their futures, unless the children themselves allow them to. In other words, the childhood centres and the workers therein need to constantly reinforce the positive aspects in the children, while objectively giving them the understanding and knowledge needed to overcome the challenges they face in their social-cultural environments. Additionally, and as has been observed by McMurray (2007), childhood centres need to train their workers to be aware and sensitive to each individual child’s circumstances, social wellbeing, and lifestyles (as reflected in the parents’ choices), and avoid any kind of stereotyping since such would go against the principles of social inclusion. Additionally, the need to involve parents in the activities and programmes that childhood centres undertake cannot be overemphasised. Some parents lack the knowledge that they are the role models, the examples, and the guides that the children look up to. Anything learnt in a childhood centre can quickly be unlearnt if the parent, or the family care set-up where the child spends considerable time does not affirm the same things. This then means that efforts to reduce the holistic health inequalities among children can only succeed if all stakeholders (including childhood centres, parents, governments, and communities) work together with a common goal – that of enhancing holistic health in all children in Australia. References Durey, A. & Thompson, S. C. (2012). Reducing the health disparities of indigenous Australians: time to change focus. BMC Health Services Research, 12. Retrieved September 12, 2012, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3431273/ Eckermann, A, K., Dowd, T., Chong, E., Nixon, L., Gray, R., & Johnson, S. (2010). Binan Goonj: Bridging cultures in Aboriginal health (3rd ed.). Chatswood: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Elliott, S. (2003). Green connections – Environmental science. In T. Young & S. Elliott, Just discover!: Connecting young children with the natural world (pp. 40-44). Croydon, Victoria: Tertiary Press. Greenman, J. (1988). New kids on the block: infants and toddlers in groups. In Caring spaces, learning places: Children’s environments that work (pp. 47-59). Redmond, W.A.: Exchange Press. Katz, L., & McClennan, D. (1997). Fostering children’s social competence: the teacher’s role. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children. Kirsten, T.G.J.C., Van der Walt, H.J.L. & Viljoen, C.T. (2009). Health, well-being and wellness: An anthropological eco-systemic approach. Health SA Gesondheid 14(1): 1-7. DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v14i1.407 Lewis, T. (2011). Can cultural differences affect access of families to health care? Nuritinga Electronic Journal of Nursing, 10: 1-8. McDonald, M. (2011). What role can child and family services play in enhancing opportunities for parents and families? Exploring the concepts of social exclusion and social inclusion. Australian Institute of Family Studies. Retrieved Sept. 12, 2012, from http://www.aifs.gov.au/cafca/pubs/sheets/ps/ps7.html McMurray, A. (2007). Community health and wellness: A socio-ecological approach (3rd ed.). Marrickville: Elsevier Australia. Mosby’s Medical Dictionary (2009). Holistic health (8th edition). Retrieved September 12, 2012, from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/holistic+health National Childcare Accreditation Council (2005).quality improvement and accreditation system: quality practices guide (1st ed.) NSW: The National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc. National Public Health Partnership (NPHP) (2005). Healthy children – strengthening promotion and prevention across Australia: National Public Health strategic framework for children 2005-2008. NPHP, Melbourne (VIC). 1-25. Parker, E. A. et al. (2006). Our games our health: a cultural asset for promoting health in indigenous communities. Health Promotion Journal of Australia 17(2): 103-108. Sorin, R. (2004). Understanding children’s feelings: emotional literacy in early childhood. Watson, ACT: Australian Early Childhood Association. 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The causes of holistic health disparities Among the people that record low levels of holistic health include the Indigenous communities in Australia, the low-income earning groups, the physically disabled, the illiterate, and the mentally challenged demographic segments of the society (NPHP, 2005). Notably, the lack of wellness and wellbeing does not just affect one person in the identified demographic segments; rather, it affects entire households. For example, a child from an economically disadvantaged background may lack sufficient food, which in turn may affect their physical and mental development.

The child may further lack access to education, and their chances of accessing quality healthcare may also be minimal. In such cases, the absence of holistic health permeates the entire household including the parents and their dependants. Addressing the holistic health disparities between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, Lewis (2011) observes that the former are affected by factors such as their colonised past, their health beliefs, and the “inflexibility of Western health professionals” (p. 2). Additionally, the Indigenous communities’ sense of racial inferiority, their dislocation from their ancestral lands, and the health professionals’ dismissal of the Indigenous communities’ spiritual and social beliefs all contribute to the poor holistic health outcomes registered in the communities (Lewis, 2011).

Eckermann et al. (2010) has similar opinions to Lewis (2011) observing that the Indigenous communities have a holistic approach to wellness since they perceive the physical, spiritual and social aspects of their living as being interconnected, and contributing to their overall health. A disruption in one of the factors therefore causes a decline in their wellness and wellbeing. Holistic health disparities, although concentrated among Indigenous communities living in rural areas, are not by any means a reserve of such communities only.

As indicated by NPHP (2005), other factors such as physical disability, less-than-optimal mental health, economic status, literacy levels, and substance use are among other factors that cause disparities in what would be considered ‘mainstream communities’. The term ‘mainstream communities’ in this case is used in reference to communities who are not disadvantaged either by cultural orientations, or their geographical location. For example, the urban populations (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) still register holistic health disparities despite their access to health services, better housing (although this is a subjective condition), and better access to education.

Government policies also have a major effect on the holistic wellness and wellbeing of the populace especially since it is such policies that determine the targeted interventions on communities that have historically registered poor overall health outcomes. As the overseer of its citizenry’s wellbeing, the federal government and the respective regional governments have not paid enough attention to ensuring that the disparities in health outcomes are reduced. For example, identified demographic segments such as the disabled people, the mentally challenged, the single-household families with no regular source of income, and other disadvantaged population segments should be the recipient of targeted government affirmative policies which when effected, would improve their physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental wellness.

Durey and Thompson (2012) for example suggest that disadvantaged demographic segments should benefit from government policies that grant them funding and adequate coverage in areas where they have inadequacies. For example, the economically disadvantaged populations should benefit from policies that ensure they have their basic needs in food, housing, clothing, education, and healthcare (routine medical checkups and complex treatments) covered. Social and environmental aspects have also been found to have an effect on the disparities registered in different population segments.

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