Developing this ‘skill’ can take time, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed when first exploring what connecting consciously entails. I recall, how overwhelmed I felt as a parent while juggling, business, work, family, the home, organisation, meeting the day-to-day needs of my children, and the list goes on! I knew there had to be a better way, to get all the above done while still understanding each child, ensuring they are seen, heard and felt daily.
In addition, I witnessed many children in the early childhood setting simply not responding to their parent’s efforts to guide them, and this appears to be an on going challenge in the current time, with many conversations taking place between educators and parents.
What Strategies could you put in place to develop a conscious connection with your child?
Take the time out to observe your own feelings toward your child/ren. This is as simple as having a pen and paper handy, and documenting the moments you feel inspired to be with your children, and a second column to document the moments you feel frustrated, cranky, up set or dis-inspired by your child/ren. This process has proved very powerful for me in my own life, and I first started using it 5 years ago. Once you have established what you are most inspired by, set about creating more of those moments for and with your child. Note: I will address the 2nd column in a separate post!!!! This piece is a little more complex and requires some guidance.
Setting aside 1:1 time every day for each child. I love to use a timer to begin with, as this keeps us accountable. For example, you could start with as little as 5 minutes. Five minutes where your priority is simply the child you are engaged with. This maybe discussing what most interest them, engaging in a game they love, or reading their favourite book. This time must be completely distraction free, no phone browsing, or conversing with another adult in the house.
Even a super busy parent can find five minutes to spare to connect each day. Over time, this ‘time’ will no doubt get longer and easier, and more inspirational. As we realise just how wise our young ones are, it becomes easier to converse, listen to, play and guide (with) our children.
The noticeable benefits I have noticed with my own children, and with the children attending my childcare centres are; reduced mood swings, ability to externalise safely - which is going to lead to healthy mental health, increased clear communication, increased self-esteem, asking for help using appropriate communication, ability to engage in solo play more frequently and with joy, increased empathy and love within the child : parent relationship.
We are excited to open our doors to our new state-of-the-art Toukley Centre. With architecturally designed spaces, curated to promote growth and wholistic learning we are proud to have created an environment for enriched learning. Our new center is underpinned by our unique approach to education, one that is grounded in humanity, arming children with tools to thrive in the contemporary world and their formal education.
The two basic elements of a safe and secure connection can be found in predictable routines (rhythms of the day), and through the adult consistently showing up in a warm manner, while ensuring boundaries are maintained. In this blog, I will focus on predictable routines, what it is, and what strategies you could include in your day-to-day routine.
The HARD Truth Behind Our Overwhelmed Early Education Services
When parents think of early education it is often considered a ‘babysitting service’ and no more. This is by no fault of the family, for how could they know what we REALLY do when this is how our sector is portrayed through the media and the government who treat us like the insignificant bottom of the food chain. How often did we hear through the pandemic that school teachers required our support, how were school teachers going to overcome the stresses of COVID, guidelines and reporting documentation….? In the meantime, ‘childcare’ or as we call ourselves early education and care (ECEC), was still operating the whole time under the same stresses, with the added pressure of financial hardship to continue operating with reduced incomes. Don’t get us wrong, we adore and respect school teachers, however we only ask for the same considerations. This is just one example of the battle we face each day when seeking support from our government bodies, support that flows onto you – our families.
