As featured in the media recently, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report found one in seven Australian children aged four to 17 have experienced mental illness. In 2021, the estimated prevalence of depression or anxiety was highest among younger women and men (aged 15-34). 

So how do we support our young people to grow resilience and mental fitness, essential capabilities for lifelong happiness and success? 

GymbaROO, a leader in early childhood education and movement believes starting early is critical in supporting children to develop these vital skill sets for life. 

Backed by their experts across Australia, GymbaROO programs use the link between movement, brain development and emotional well-being within guided play, sensory experiences and movement-based learning to help children and parents navigate challenges in a supportive environment.

Dr Tessa Grigg from GymbaROO, states that resilience is built through play, children need to make mistakes and have a chance to find solutions.

“We know that resilience in children is a big topic, but many people do not understand that it starts when the child is a baby. The move to ‘responsive parenting’ has meant that parents believe that they need to meet their child’s needs immediately.”

“However, parents need to understand that when the child is struggling a little to reach the toy, that is when they are doing their greatest learning, and they are building problem-solving and resilience.” Dr Grigg said.