Two-Step Technique To Create More Peace In The World by Teaching Toddlers To Problem-Solve

In Ghosts From The Nursery (1997, p. 146), Karr-Morse and Wiley suggest we focus on the period from 10-18 months to prevent violence since that's when foundational connections are made between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic systems.

During this time, the child's brain learns to modulate stress. The connections that form lay the groundwork for all future learning. Nothing could be more critical. This chart from Harvard shows how important the earliest months really are.

So where do we start?

It only makes sense to start at the beginning of life, and it only makes sense to begin with communication and emotions.

step one

Laptime

Laptime is time spent reading or talking about emotions in close physical contact with your child. It's time spent together, looking at books or magazines, reading and speculating how characters, ourselves, or others in the world might feel.

It's also chatting about facial, body, and language expressions that help us know what others are experiencing beyond ourselves. It's based on this premise that all feelings are OK, but not all actions (and words) are.

Laptime is a time for questioning and wondering about human interaction in the presence of a non-judgemental and trusted person. It's an awesome way to teach emotions to kids ages 0-8+. And it's information they'll need when it comes to talking about bullies. They'll eventually need to be able to "read" people well in the world they'll be growing up in.

step two

Problem-Solving

Bypass blame when young children argue and fight. Instead, try saying, "It looks like you're having a problem. Let's work together to figure something out."

Once we blame, we become the judge and jury. The skills young children learn by focusing on the problem to solve rather than on who's right or wrong are invaluable because they will build on these skills over a lifetime.

Would you be interested in learning more about problem-solving in toddlers and how it can change the world?

All Together Now! is a fun way to do a deep dive into the subject. It's an excellent tool for parents, teachers, and administrators. The Wisconsin Registry approves all 5.5 hours of included material for continuing education credits.

Early Childhood Rocks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the world through early childhood education

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, 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! (click on the word) 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.

Citations

“Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.” Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 4 Dec. 2017, https://developingchild.harvard.edu/.

Karr-Morse, Robin, et al. Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence. The Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013.

Rosenberg, Marshall B. Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Life: Create Your Life, Your Relationships & Your World in Harmony with Your Values. Puddle Dancer, 2003.