Granting Children Their Emotions

"At the airport: A little girl, about two and a half years old, stands in front of the chairs where the adults sat, heartbreakingly crying, tears rolling down her face. The mother looks away, so does the grandmother. Both look in the opposite direction of the child, as if neither hear the child nor belong with the child.

In the supermarket: A boy, about four years old, walks backwards along the side of the trolley that is pushed by the father and the mother. The boy cries furiously, his face is blushed, his nose is running; he attempts to face the parents, but he cannot get their attention.

Luca, eighteen months old, is playing with some toys in the living room. All of a sudden he starts shouting for joy. The parents, watching TV, shout, both at the same time 'Lucaa!' (meaning 'Be quiet!')."

These examples are used at the beginning of an Exchange magazine article by Ilse Elisabeth Plattner "Granting Children Their Emotions," that also serves as a basis for an "Out of the Box" Training Kit of the same name. The author challenges us to spend time reflecting on how often we may give children the message that their feelings are not welcome or accepted.

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site