A Secret Strategy, 0-3, That Nurtures Both Intelligence and Empathy

If you're a working parent, stay-at-home parent, or a child care provider, you may have more in common with the others than you think. During the first few years of a child's life, we are all teachers, and we hold tremendous power to influence the young children we care for.

In a world that tends to dole out too much judgment, pressure, tension, and blame, we want to help you relieve some of that stress and have more fun with your kids. We believe this is the key to helping young children reach their full potential.

That's because fun is a child's way of learning. Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Our secret strategy for having more fun with your children is a great schedule. One that's simple and as relaxing as possible. It needs to cover the essentials like eating, sleeping, and cleaning up, but beyond that, it should be about fun.

That's because fun is a young child's best way to learn. Once the brain is wired for learning smoothly and without too much anxiety, it can move forward with less and less help from the caregiver.

Having a predictable schedule is what allows kids to get through the times of the day that aren’t their favorite by looking forward to the times that are.

Plus, being able to accurately predict what will come next makes kids' brains light up with success.  Take a long, hard look at what your kids prefer to do with their time and make that the center of their day. This gives them lots to look forward to and helps them self-regulate.

As far as eating, sleeping, and cleaning up are concerned, we can help them through these life essentials without skipping over them for convenience. Real-life necessities create opportunities for a child to regulate and slow down.

Knowing that they can contribute and learn through transitions teaches them about life. A good schedule helps them to realize that something fun will happen next, which helps them to stay positive and motivated.

Remember to look at the things you enjoy about being a parent, teacher, or caregiver. Include these things in your schedule as essentials. One example might be enjoying a cup of tea while verbally supporting your children's play choices. Another might be reading a few pages of a novel while your children nap.

Young children need a calm, centered caregiver more than they need to attend music and drama lessons. They need more supported playtime and teachers who understand their unique ways of learning. They also need people who take the time to read with them.

Let's all stop running around like anxious chickens and take some time to listen.... really listen to our children. Their brains are wired to learn. Trust them.

Thanks for reading! We know your time is precious. Get this free Baby Brain Toolkit when you join us here! Everyone who helps care for your child should know about these 4 essential brain tools. For a quick preview, visit our website and click on the small black star. We appreciate you!!

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, SELF-care facilitator, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY! She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.