A New View of Toddlers

10/12/2011

When we deny children play, we are denying them the right to understand the world.
Erika Christakis, educator and writer

"When we focus on what [toddlers] can't do, rather than on their capabilities, we have a diminished view of toddlers, which limits what we offer them and taints the experience of our responses to their efforts," argues Margie Carter in her article, "Encouraging a New View of Toddlers," in the Exchange Essential, "Caring for Infants and Toddlers." Carter continues...

"When toddlers are engaged in typical behaviors, i.e., climbing on tables, running away, grabbing a toy, screaming in objection to something asked of them, how could we meet up with their minds, rather than focus on their behaviors? A mindset of curiosity rather than compliance can begin to transform our responses. Seeking the child’s point of view, wondering what is on his or her mind, offers us new possibilities. Perhaps we’ll see a child wanting a connection with another child, rather than aggressive behavior; an eager explorer, rather than an impatient child; a person longing for some power, a sense of agency, rather than a defiant or mischievous two year old."

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