THE INDEPENDENT CHILD

Today I asked my grandson's Mum for a few photos of him scribbling, and along with the photos came a story I just had to share. He's 2 years and 4 months old, and there he was at his little table with a small book of blank pages and a cup holding just a couple of wax crayons. No colouring book, no instructions. Just paper, a pen and time. He started with blue. On one page, big looping circles, round and round, over and over. On the other page, a few strong strokes up and down

On Monday we talked about what to say when your toddler hands you a page of scribbles: describe it, don't ask what it is. This week I want to look at two things parents often ask me next: what is actually going on in those scribbles, and what can I give my toddler to draw with? Picture a toddler at the table with a thick crayon, their whole arm sweeping across the paper. Maybe they're standing rather than sitting, maybe making a sound with every stroke. Are they drawing a pic

Your two-year-old has just spent ten absorbed minutes with a crayon. You lean in, smile, and ask the question every loving parent asks: “What are you drawing?”

As parents we do our best with what we know. Learning and practicing communication techniques that work only make us better.

These books are foundational when it comes to communication with your children. Between Parent and Child: Revised and Updated: The...

Start early - It’s a developmental process that involves stages, not a specific age. Prepare yourself and be committed and consistent. Prepare the environment - the right sized easy to use equipment. Get to know your child’s schedule and simplify clothing. Use emphatic language - "It's time to...." or "Let's go to...." Acknowledge feelings especially the negative ones - "That is upsetting for you" Offer choices - "It's time to go to the toilet, now or after you finish your p

Confidence and self-esteem are developed from the beginning of life through the repeated positive experiences a child has. Once a child...

Implementing the principles of the Montessori approach at home can benefit your child greatly. A few suggestions to get you started are...