Written by Kirsty Fantini, Early Years Training & Consultancy
Educator Well-Being Challenge!
For those who tried August’s challenge of putting our phones down… I hope you did well and found it easier than me!!
So, this month our challenge is SLOW DOWN!
We are all rushed, time poor and at times forgetting what it’s all really about! So this month’s challenge both professionally & personally is to “slow down”… or what I call “FIJI TIME”! If you have ever been to Fiji the pace is relaxed, it’s slow, it’s all about being in the moment and enjoying life… maybe that’s why all Fijian’s are smiling and laughing!?
I wonder what would happen if we just slowed down a little… we followed the children’s pace, we sat quietly and enjoyed a coffee, we ignored the time and let the day unfold… nothing terrible would happen… but maybe something GREAT would! Maybe we would feel more relaxed, in tune, happy… maybe the children in our care would also feel the same?
Maybe it’s worth a go? BULA!!
Provocation – Children’s Anxiety… is it on the rise?
We are seeing increasing anxiety in some children and with reduced strategies to cope with the challenges of life, resilience is low. Anxiety can be normal, however for some children it can be concerning.
There are many factors that cause anxiety such as age & development, personality, temperament… but what about a lack of delayed gratification?
As parents we want to make our child happy — but we often try to meet every need. We make them happy for that moment, but it can create issues in the long term. To be able to delay gratification means to be able to function under stress. Children are gradually becoming less equipped to deal with even minor stressors, such as not getting first turn, not winning a game, another child being in their space or not wanting to play with them…. which eventually become huge obstacles to their success in life.
The moment the child hears “No”, they react with belligerence because parents have taught their child’s brain to get what it wants right away.
The ability to delay gratification is one of the key factors for future success.
Here are some simple strategies to support children and families reduce anxiety and build resilience;
- encourage autonomy & independence through decision making
- allow appropriate risk taking
- understand the child’s perspectives – a 2 year’s perspective will be very different to a 5 year old’s
- be aware of our own behaviour and language – role model resilient language
- encourage problem-solving- ask the child “what do you think?”
- reflect the child’s feelings rather than tell them what they are feeling or to stop feeling
- never label the child as “shy”
- assist families is developing a good morning and good bye routine. Keep it positive and consistent so the child learns what to expect and usually the child will settle much quicker if mum / dad appear happy and relaxed rather than stressed, upset or inconsistent.
- accept and acknowledge the way the child feels… it is NOT OK to tell a child “to stop being a baby” or “stop crying mum will be back soon”… because she won’t be … she’ll be back at the end of the day and for an upset child this is a long time!!! We need to empathise with the child… “I understand you’re upset. It’s Ok. I am going to look after you today, how about we find something you like… I think we have trains over here and I know you like those…”
- Be sympathetic to parents. Some parents have a very hard time leaving their child. So, listen to how parent’s feel, tell them its OK, they can call during the day.
- inform families upon pick up about their child’s day. It is important that families feel that you care for, like and respect their child! You can even email them during the day along with a picture of their child settled and playing.
- look at families as partners in the education process! They are great resources!!!
Something Yummy – Just for you….. The Nourish Bowl!
You may pay alot of money for these at the cafe but they are so easy to make and you can fill these with your faves! This is my favourite combo usually on a Sunday!
Ingredients:
- Oven roast pumpkin (drizzle with honey as its baking)
- Hard boiled egg or grilled chicken (with oregano & lemon)
- Pumkin (pepita) seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- baby spinach
- black olives
- cherry tomatoes
- grated carrot
- chargrilled capsicum
- chargrilled eggplant
- goat’s cheese or normal fetta
- balsamic vinegarette
- squeeze lemon
Method:
This is why I love this so much… just combine it all into a bowl or container and EAT! You can have the chicken / no egg option for the workplace or enjoy an egg at home!
Jam packed full of nutrients & protein! LOVE IT! Enjoy!!
Upcoming PD Specials
Book into the following on-line live webinars and quote “monthly musing” on your email and receive 20% OFF the price!
Becoming a Reflective Educator – Tuesday 3rd September @ 6pm AEST
Cultural Competence – respect, values & attitudes on Thursday 19th September @ 6.30pm AEST
Thank you for reading September’s edition of Monthly Musing. I hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to suggest future topics via email – kirsty@earlyyearstraining.com.au or comment on this Facebook post.
Have a wonderful month!
Warm regards, Kirsty Fantini
Early Years Training & Consultancy RTO 91839 http://earlyyearstraining.com.au
