Relaxation and Self-efficacy in Children

Ruth Wilson, in a recent article, “Relaxation, Stress and Self-efficacy in the Lives of Young Children,” makes some thought-provoking points regarding how early childhood practitioners may be viewing the topic of relaxation:

“Relaxation is often discussed within the context of health and as an antidote to stress. This pairing of relaxation and stress tends to be an adult view, and may not be consistent with how children view relaxation. The adult stress-centric view reflects a medicalization of relaxation—that is, using relaxation as a treatment for stress. When this approach is applied to our work with young children, children become the passive recipients of the treatment. The adult assumes the role of expert in helping children combat stress….”

Wilson quotes a recent research study where children “identified place and play as important factors in their experience of relaxation. Their most common places for experiencing relaxation were in nature and at home. Some children found playing quietly alone to be relaxing; others described playing with friends as relaxing. While there were frequent reports of relaxing with parents, there were no reports of relaxing with teachers. Children, in referring to nature as a place for relaxation, made numerous references to watching, touching and feeling nature.”

In the newest Exchange Reflections, centered around Wilson’s articles, these ideas are explored in depth, including ways to consult with children more about their feelings toward relaxation.

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