Up Modeling!
In their book, the authors of The Whole-Brain Child share how it can be challenging when we expect so much from the children in our care that are still in a learning process! This quote from their book says it all:
"We want our kids to become men and women who are strong, forgiving and respectful, and loving…."
The writers of this book share some positive highlights about 'The Me-We Connection.' This serves as a great way of reminding caregivers of the importance of trusting the process involved in teaching our kids what we want them to learn as we also get involved in teaching and modeling (co-regulate). Is this a smooth and easy journey? Of course, not at all. It involves repeating and emphasizing what we want to see the children learn and also unlearn.
There is a great need to connect with our children as this allows for brain activation and not only that but also sets up the brain for interpersonal integration, which simply means that we honor and nurture our(caregivers) differences while cultivating our connections with each other! As a caregiver, there is a need to take an interest in what children care about-the more they enjoy the time they spend with us as caregivers, the more they'll value relationships and desire more positive and healthy experiences in the future.
So as these writers put it:
"have fun with children, play games, tell jokes, be silly because with every fun, with every enjoyable experience you give to children while they are with you, you provide them with positive reinforcement about what it means to be in a loving relationship with others!"
Isn't this a fantastic way to model to our children? It is not too late!
Until next time,
Maggie M.