FROM ONE TO THREE

Being a role model

Stages of development

Warmth, clothing and shoes for young children

Environment of the young child

Diet and nutrition after one

Creating rhythm and rituals

Creating a home life through the year

Toys and the importance of play

Using the toilet

Giving choices and reasoning

Discipline and speaking to the child

Playgroups

BEING A ROLE MODEL

The first six or seven years, children learn through imitation, the first three most intensely so.[1] This is where as parents we can ask ourselves; what are we doing around the child, how do we respond in action, emotionally, and what are we saying in front of the child? Are these things good for the child? What is the child exposed to, are her senses being overwhelmed?

The new baby by Ervert Pieters

As with any human being, children thrive when they are treated with respect, understanding and have their needs met. Since a young child learns by doing and imitating what is around them, it's good to ask oneself if we are truly respecting the child's nature, by our actions and words, are we are being honest with them and ourselves, are our actions worthy of imitation? When we say one thing and our action says something else, when we lack in consistency or following through with an action, are we giving them mixed messages? Do our actions correspond to our words? Are we showing the child a unity of intention and deed? What stage of development is the child in?

On a more personal note, it seems some of these questions apply not only to parenting, but to the whole of life. If, as parents, we keep evolving and growing, we may be able to see the challenges and trying times as a time for self-examination and reassessment. We can approach difficulties as if is there is a secret gift of a life lesson in every challenge we meet. It seems that if we are always striving to do our best, listening, being present, learning from life, though we will never be perfect, we are more likely to be candidates worthy of imitation. Also, when times are more challenging, a good dose of humour is always helpful.

A few simple examples of things one could focus on: How do I sweep the floor? How do I put clothes away? How do I wipe my child's runny nose? How do I hold the door for him? How do I speak to or answer my partner? How do I speak to the cashier at the grocery store? Am I present in what I am doing? Am I doing it with attentiveness and love? What do I think about?

See How to make decisions

The negative effects of media

ARTICLES

Lullabye by Brenda Joysmith

WELCOME ABOUT PRE-CONCEPTION PREGNANCY PREPARING FOR BIRTH BIRTH THE FIRST MONTHS

CLOTHING AND CARE FOR THE BABY THE FIRST YEAR FROM ONE TO THREE RECOMMENDED READING, LINKS ARTICLES

Baldwin Dancy, Rahima - About conscious parenting in our modern age.htm

Baldwin Dancy, Rahima - Conscious parenting - what can help us on the way?.htm

Billington, Kim - Creating a Steiner playgroup

Gibran, Kahil - Children.htm

Leisher, Esther - Housework.htm

zur Linden - caring for a sick child - the mother's love.htm

[1] Norrie McCain, Hon. Margaret, and J. Fraser Mustard. Early Years Study. Publications Ontario, Toronto 1999

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