Factors that Impact Preschoolers’ Mental Health

Preschoolers grow in all areas: physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Each of these areas has an impact on the mental health and well-being of preschoolers. Let’s look at factors in each of these areas which impact a preschooler’s mental health.

Physical Health

Healthy prenatal care
Proper nutrition
Consistent health care
An injury or long-term illness

Cognitive Health

Exploration of objects and the environment
Sensory learning
Following directions
Problem solving
Language acquisition
Development of memory

Social Health

Relationships with parents, family, and caregivers
Healthy attachments with others
Responsiveness of caregivers to needs
Sense of self
Communication skills

Emotional Health

Loving and nurturing caregivers
Emotional needs are met
Recognizing and naming emotions and feelings
Regulating emotions and actions
Building emotional connections with others
Development of resilience

Spiritual Health

Development of trust
Caregivers who meet physical and emotional needs
Feeling loved and secure
Acquiring basic attitudes about God, Jesus, the Bible, and church
A foundation of unconditional love and acceptance

Those who care for preschoolers can help them grow by responding to their needs in these areas. Preschoolers need strong relationships with loving caregivers in order to positively react to the stressors in their lives. Placing focus on these areas helps preschoolers to grow in healthy ways.

Joye Smith is the WMU preschool ministry consultant.

Disclaimer: The information shared on this page is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition. We encourage you to follow up with your health-care provider and seek a mental health professional for individual consultation and care.