3. Supports for coping and competence
People who work with young children and families have to deal with many issues related to children’s early regulation. Knowing how children learn to cope and become competent in the early years helps adults to provide supports and appropriate environments.
Dr. Charles Nelson is a professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School. He describes the concept of “expectant environment” – that babies are born expecting their needs to be taken care of in a sensitive, consistent way without being pressured or over-stimulated. Based on the science, Nelson has this recommendation for parents who want their children to develop coping and competence.
Dr. Joan Durrant compares children’s relationships with parents with their relationships with teachers and early childhood educators (ECEs). She explains that teachers and ECEs have developed skills for managing large groups of children and dealing with challenging behaviours to support children’s developing competence. Durrant suggests that parents could benefit from learning some of those skills.
How can early childhood educators share their strategies for guiding children with parents?
