Growing Futures: Health and Well-being for Children, Part 2 of 2

Helping children feel calm, supported, and emotionally balanced can happen in many different ways. One program bringing comfort and encouragement to children is the Reading Education Assistance Dogs, also known as the R.E.A.D. program. The nonprofit program allows children to read aloud to specially trained therapy dog companions in schools and libraries. Therapy dog friends provide quiet companionship and loving support, helping students feel more comfortable as they practice reading and communication skills. Children learn how to interact gently and respectfully with animal-individuals while building stronger social and emotional skills at the same time. “Whenever she lays next to me, I know that she is listening because she is also looking at the book with me and so I can tell she is listening.”

Physical activity and active play are also important parts of helping children stay healthy, happy, and emotionally balanced. One nonprofit organization helping children stay active through play is Right To Play, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and active in many countries around the world. Through group games and team activities, children are encouraged to include others, communicate kindly, work together, and support one another. As children laugh, move, and learn together, they often discover new confidence in themselves while building healthy habits and positive friendships that can support them as they grow. “Play helps us be our best. It helps us to stay healthy and feel-good inside and out. It helps us to learn stuff and get creative. It makes us stronger, teaches us how to be a team and helps us discover our hidden talents.”