Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Teaching Feelings

It's hard to explain to a toddler how someone else feels. It's hard to explain to a toddler how they feel. Toddlers feel things very intensely and when adults laugh at them it only makes them angry. If an adult were feeling angry or sad no one would laugh at them, so no matter how hard it is not to laugh.....don't. When it's over if you need to step into another room and laugh, do, but don't do it in front them. It makes them feel bad and it comes across as an adult doesn't care about them or how they're feeling.

Below is a link that talks about toddlers and emotions. Emotions need to be taught like anything else. When a child gets angry something like, "I know that makes you angry but your friend is playing with the toy right now. When they're done it will be (use child's name) turn." When a child feels sad say, "I know it makes you sad when Mom/Dad leave, but they'll be back after (nap, snack time, afternoon outdoor time etc.)." Name the emotion the child is feeling so that they understand what they're feeling. It will help them understand what anger, sadness, happiness and all the other emotions are and what they feel like.

Here's the link:

Generosity Misunderstood Through a Toddler's Eyes

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

teaching compassion

Teaching compassion to children can be tricky but it's important. Most children under five are naturally compassionate and it's a virtue that needs to be nurtured as they grow older. Modeling how to be compassionate is the easiest way to teach compassion. Children watch everything an adult does so showing compassion to your spouse, to your friends and most importantly to your children will teach them how to be compassionate.

NAEYC  has ten tips for teaching compassion, however, I don't agree with all of them. The one I don't agree with is number three. Where puppets are a part of most child care center rooms not all children like them. Some children are afraid of puppets and to teach compassion using one could frighten a child. Therefore, it would be more compassionate not to use one. Be aware of a child's reaction to puppets and if they're afraid of them don't use this approach.

Here's the link if anyone is interested in reading the article:
10 tips for raising a compassionate infant-toddler