connect
After taking the first step (Being present). You are ready for the next stage: to connect with the child in a powerful interaction. When you calmly and openly engage with the child, you create a strong, trusting bond through this supportive endeavor. The child feels safer, more confident, and more open to learning.
How do we really (connect)?
Connecting with your child means to really see them. To perceive their actions, words, and behaviors as significant and interesting. It's letting the child feel that you want to spend time with them, are interested in what they are doing, and understand their feelings and are willing to help them undertand these feelings.
How connecting with your child can affect your relationship
Connecting with your child works as a reminder that you see them, and reassures them of your relationship. That reminder brings along feelings of security, self-worth, and belonging. In turn, these feelings encourage them to explore, awaken their curiosity, and give them the courage to take risks and learn.
As we stated earlier, each child is different in their unique way, that's why you need to (personalize your connections)
Your powerful interaction with your child depends on what you already know about them. Think about (Me check) we discussed in the last lesson - (Do I need to adjust to connect with this child? And if so, how?) This reflection helps you plan how to engage and connect in the ways that fit both the child and you.
To start the connection, do a quick me check on the following:
This kind of connection is often described as a (dance) - a back-and-forth rhythm between adult and child.
Children communicate their readiness to connect in many ways. Their responses depend on personality, age, experience and confidence. With time and practice, you'll get better at noticing these subtle signals.
Title
A child might show a desire to connect by:
Continuing play with extra excitement
Showing or telling you something
Asking you a question
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Including you in their play
Reaching up to be held
Looking at you and smiling
Subtitle
Once the child accepts your offer to connect, your goal is to keep that connection going. Make the child feel safe and supported, and keep observing how the child responds so you can find the best ways to build on their learning.
It may not always be a (Yes)
While trying to connect with your child, expect that sometimes they may reject that connection. They might reply with no thanks, not now, or even ignore you. That can mean that they want to play alone, they're focused on what they're doing, or they don't feel comfortable with that connection right then. Don't take it personally, and don't try to push the connection aggressively; instead, try to reassure them that you understand they want to be alone and that you're going to be around for whenever they want you. That deepens the trust and comfort between your child and you, it makes them feel that their needs and decisions are respected
Connect
Charles Loftland
Created on October 4, 2022
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Transcript
connect
After taking the first step (Being present). You are ready for the next stage: to connect with the child in a powerful interaction. When you calmly and openly engage with the child, you create a strong, trusting bond through this supportive endeavor. The child feels safer, more confident, and more open to learning.
How do we really (connect)?
Connecting with your child means to really see them. To perceive their actions, words, and behaviors as significant and interesting. It's letting the child feel that you want to spend time with them, are interested in what they are doing, and understand their feelings and are willing to help them undertand these feelings.
How connecting with your child can affect your relationship
Connecting with your child works as a reminder that you see them, and reassures them of your relationship. That reminder brings along feelings of security, self-worth, and belonging. In turn, these feelings encourage them to explore, awaken their curiosity, and give them the courage to take risks and learn.
As we stated earlier, each child is different in their unique way, that's why you need to (personalize your connections)
Your powerful interaction with your child depends on what you already know about them. Think about (Me check) we discussed in the last lesson - (Do I need to adjust to connect with this child? And if so, how?) This reflection helps you plan how to engage and connect in the ways that fit both the child and you.
To start the connection, do a quick me check on the following:
This kind of connection is often described as a (dance) - a back-and-forth rhythm between adult and child.
Children communicate their readiness to connect in many ways. Their responses depend on personality, age, experience and confidence. With time and practice, you'll get better at noticing these subtle signals.
Title
A child might show a desire to connect by:
Continuing play with extra excitement
Showing or telling you something
Asking you a question
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Including you in their play
Reaching up to be held
Looking at you and smiling
Subtitle
Once the child accepts your offer to connect, your goal is to keep that connection going. Make the child feel safe and supported, and keep observing how the child responds so you can find the best ways to build on their learning.
It may not always be a (Yes)
While trying to connect with your child, expect that sometimes they may reject that connection. They might reply with no thanks, not now, or even ignore you. That can mean that they want to play alone, they're focused on what they're doing, or they don't feel comfortable with that connection right then. Don't take it personally, and don't try to push the connection aggressively; instead, try to reassure them that you understand they want to be alone and that you're going to be around for whenever they want you. That deepens the trust and comfort between your child and you, it makes them feel that their needs and decisions are respected