Elmien Britz

Supporting children as they develop autonomy is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen their mental health. Autonomy doesn’t mean expecting children to handle everything alone. Instead, it’s about helping them feel capable, trusted, and involved in their own lives. When children experience a sense of agency, they build confidence, emotional resilience, and a healthier relationship with challenges.

Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Positive Intelligence (PQ) are two ideas that help explain how children understand their feelings and cope with everyday challenges. Emotional Intelligence is about noticing emotions, understanding them, and using them in healthy ways. It includes skills like knowing what you feel, calming yourself when upset, staying motivated, understanding others’ feelings, and getting along with people. These skills help children manage stress, solve problems, and build

Humour and laughter are far more than lighthearted moments in a child’s day - they are powerful tools that support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and healthy development. When children laugh, their bodies and brains shift into a state of connection and safety, creating the ideal conditions for learning, coping, and growing.