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Dear Parents,
This was a busy week in ECE, and we were excited to have all our families join us for the Student-led conferences. We hope that you enjoyed your time listening to your child's journey in HIS ECE.
This week we are looking at the importance of the relationship with your child.
Warm and responsive relationships are key elements of young children’s development. ECE children’s relationships change as their feelings become more complex and their thinking and verbalization skills develop. As such, a warm, stable, and responsive relationship is fundamental to children’s development and well-being. When parents have this kind of relationship with their children, they will feel safe and secure. A sense of security gives a child the confidence to explore the world and learn. And as a child explore the world, they learn how to think, understand, communicate, behave, show emotions, and develop social skills.
By tuning to a child’s feelings, praising them, and helping them to find words for strong emotions, children will learn and develop more. Here are some ways parents can work on these areas.
Connecting
Give children plenty of positive attention. An example would be to do a favorite thing, your child enjoys such as Lego or a jigsaw. Doing something they enjoy doing.
Tune in to your child. If you see your child is getting frustrated or upset, help them to understand their emotions. For example, ‘I can see you’re frustrated with that puzzle. How about I help you?’’
Communicating
Demonstrate that you are listening when your child is talking. Stop what you’re doing, make eye contact, pay attention to your child’s body language, and use phrases like 'Really?’, ‘Go on’, or ‘And then what happened?’
Be patient with your child’s questions and encourage their interests.
If your child asks about tough topics, answer in simple language and short sentences that your child can understand.
Play
Play games together like “I spy” or simple board or card games. Turn-taking games like these help your child learn to play cooperatively and get along with people. These skills are good for your child’s relationships with you and other people. Find time and opportunities to play.
READ! Regular reading with your child creates a special time for bonding. It also stimulates your child’s imagination and helps your child learn about the world.
Family life
Have meals together as a family. Family meals can strengthen your family relationships and your child’s sense of belonging.
Encourage your child to help you around the house – for example, by setting the table or putting away laundry. This gives you the chance to spend time together and show your child that you trust them with responsibility. And chores help your child feel ‘big’ and good about themselves.
Resources
Kind Regards,
Rene
Rene Smal
Lower School Vice Principal and ECE Coordinator
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