Supporting Children and Families Through Change

08/25/2016

Supporting Children and Families Through Change

Tolerance and compassion are active, not passive states, born of the capacity to listen, to observe and to respect others.
Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, 1917-1984

Sometimes early care and education programs are the most stable environments in children's and families' lives. In the May/June 2015 Beginnings Workshop article, Lean on Me: Helping Children and Families through Disruptive Change, the authors share, "Many programs are dealing with change in the lives of the young children in their care." Children are often caught in the chaos and strain of changing living situations, routines and financial challenges.

The authors suggest that communication between the significant adults in children's lives is paramount to a supportive relationship. Strategies for encouraging communication with families and colleagues are helpful for teachers. Also essential for teachers' support of families is, "Including opportunities for staff for ongoing access to information to increase their personal knowledge and understanding."

Contributed by Chris Kiewra

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