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Really Being with Babies
September 20, 2011
We think that the world could be a better place if we looked at it from the child’s perspective.
-Ellen Hall, Educator, Author, Children’s Rights Advocate, 1947-2018
-Ellen Hall, Educator, Author, Children’s Rights Advocate, 1947-2018
This view is expressed by Anna Tardos from the Pikler Institute in Budapest, Hungary, in her Exchange article, "Being with Babies." She continues...
"We don’t think about how happy they would be ‘to help’ if we had a discussion with them in the meantime, and if we told them what we were up to:
"'Now, I am going to take off your diaper to see if there is anything in it. I am going to wipe your skin, lift your bottom. Will you allow me to do that? Now, I am going to put this coat on you. You see how pretty it is? Your grandmother made it for you. First I am pulling up on one arm, then the other. I have to lift you up a little bit. It’s not very easy, but we have made it.'
"Would they help? Yes. The baby would pay attention to what we are doing, would relax his arms, and, at the age of only a few months, he would reach his arms towards us when we show him the shirt. A real conversation can be formed this way between the adult and the baby. In this way, the hasty and careless movements that often cast a shadow on the joint activity during times spent together could be avoided: legs lifted too high, too swiftly being turned on the side, the baby’s arm getting stuck in the sleeve, or legs stuck in the zippered (not very practical) overalls. This can be a very unpleasant experience for the baby. And it also happens that, instead of a rich and meaningful dialogue realized in the course of the pleasure of being together, the adult must dress a crying and protesting baby. At this time, the adult would try to calm the baby down: 'I can see that you are tired. Alright, I am going to hurry, and we’re going to be done real soon.' Meanwhile, the movements become even faster, and quite often overhasty, thus even more unpleasant for the child. It’s a shame. Why? Because the activity of getting dressed or changed, repeated several times a day, can also be a joyful encounter of being together!"
These are not your typical training DVDs. No scripts. No staged events. Imagine sitting down for a one-on-one conversation with some of the leaders in the field of early care and education. Imagine them presenting at your next class, staff development, or training session. This is the concept behind Voices on DVD. |
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Comments (6)
Displaying 5 of 6 Comments [ View all ]First Steps, Inc.
Little Rock, AR, United States
Sounds like a session with Magda Gerber whom I am sure is known by Ms Tardos, at least by reputation, since they are both from Hungry and seem to share the same philosophy of interactingg with infants and toddlers. Magda was an amazing person, I met her at an NAEYC conference and sat at table with her for a discusson group. One of the highpoints of my life as an Educator. I used her tapes and books with all of my Early Childhood Students. As she said 'treat them (infants) with the level of respect as high as you would treat any adult friend". I have always tried to follow her guidelines and soft spoken voice when dealing with children. I look forward to reading this book by Anna Tardos. Thanks for sharring it with us. Betty
Little River School
Chicago, Illinois, United States
This article is of utmost importance to caregivers and parents of very young children. Early Childhood Educators find themselves in such a difficult position these days. Expert research and observation continues to prove the competency of young children if allowed to develop as children are physically and psychologically ready. The difficulty comes with the pressure to do more..achieve more...accomplish more before it is time. What for? That you for posting this wonderful article. Many more will find the work of Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber through this article.
http://magdalenaspalencia.blogspot.com/
United States
This is a very interesting post! I will share it on my blog!
magdalenaspalencia.blogspot.com
First Lutheran ABC Learning Center
Shelby, Ohio, United States
My thoughts and observations as I talk to a baby in all times-play, changing, when preparing them for a nap or after a nap the child will respond with eyes, body motion, calming, laughing, or evening making sounds. This happens when talk to them using real or silly talk. The reaponse is so meaningful to me the caregiver. I encourage my staff to respond with language and treat the child with the unique awareness of talking to another person. I find this is so exciting and children respond warmly. When one talks to an infant they usually look at your face with great interest.
the grand child care center
chicago, IL, United States
Reminds me of last Friday's staff meeting in our day care center. This two year old girl very sweet and cute, always has her hair messed up - all the time.
' What's wrong with her?' I asked the teacher,' the mom seems to be very responsible, why she brings her baby like this every day?' I was looking for some deep down reason when the teacher told us,' She comes all dressed and nicely combed in a bunny style two pony tails .. crying. And when the mother leaves, she pulls her hair down.. and joins the group smiling...
Some times we see at the center that parents bring their kids in fancy tight clothes and shoes not realizing what is most comfortable for the little kids !!!
Grand Child Care Center, Chicago.
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