LITTLE ONES: BIRTH TO 5-ISH

More learning happens during these years than at any other time in your child’s life. It is an amazing time to spend with your little one!

You already know what they need at this stage: to be loved, to be nurtured, to play, to be safe - but still to explore their world.

In these short years there are so many changes and 'stages.' I will do my best to get more material up here, in the meantime I can recommend a few things:

1. Think about 'big picture' kind of things. Be fully present when you are with them. Read, read, read to them. Encourage them to express themselves with words and art. As they grow, their personalities become so interesting! Pay attention to how they approach things and think about how that might affect how they learn best. (For example, if you have a budding artist or builder or story teller etc., you will know before they are 3!) Reflect back to them the things you see in them and encourage them in what they love. 

2. Learn about Montessori ideas related to your child's age. Montessori is a well-organized system and philosophy of education that takes a very 'child-centered' approach. It is a peaceful and comprehensive educational program. MANY of their ideas can be incorporated at home, and I can't say enough good things about it! 

3. Talk to other parents, ask about how they do things, why they do things, the way they do things with their kids. I have found it especially helpful to talk with parents who have a child a bit older than mine - there is a lot to learn from others' experience. You do NOT have to do things exactly like anyone else, but having some ideas about what you DO and DON'T want to do based on learning from others goes a long way.