Most children attend preschool before they go to school. This can be a great time of learning. Their primary focus during this phase is to engage in play and build social skills.
A growing body of scientific evidence conveys that emotional growth begins early in life and is closely tied with the emergence of cognitive, language, and social skills. Early emotional development lays the base for later academic results, mental health, and the capacity to form strong relationships. Despite this knowledge, most policies related to early childhood focus solely on cognitive development as it relates to school readiness, neglecting the importance of capacities such as the ability to regulate one’s own emotions and behavior, and to manage good interactions with other people (Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University).
This preschool period is a unique time for our children. It is the only time where they have a chance to experience the world more emotionally. Before the reasoning center of their brains begins to develop. This is the good time for children to focus on growing and evolving emotionally; a time to focus on teaching them how to connect with others in a gentle and caring way.
Look at children. Of course they may quarrel, but generally speaking they do not harbour ill feelings as much or as long as adults do. Most adults have the advantage of education over children, but what is the use of an education if they show a big smile while hiding negative feelings deep inside? Children don’t usually act in such a manner. If they feel angry with someone, they express it, and then it is finished. They can still play with that person the following day.
~ Dalai Lama XIV
Early childhood is not a time to push academically. Children have the rest of their lives to grow, in that way, in line with the growth of their brain. Small children use magic thinking and animism to perceive the world (attributing human traits to inanimate objects). They are acquiring motor skills during this stage, and a certain amount of “decentering” begins to occur. At this stage, the child is still unable to think logically (Learningrx).
Children make sense of the world at this stage through play, often via role-playing. This allows them the chance to process and make sense of events in their lives in an emotional way.
Small children do not judge their feelings as good or bad, they are all just feelings which if allowed to flow through their energetic system help them to remain connected to their natural state of peace. This is done by affirming and addressing their feelings rather than dismissing them and telling them that they are wrong to feel certain ways. This is not to say that you would not set barriers to health and safety, however this can be done while validating their feelings. For example, I see you are angry right now, but it is not good to break your brothers toy truck.
If children feel connected to their sense of self, they will be better able to create strong relationships. Living in this world in an honest way is the key to peace as we are able to remain true to ourselves. Children are already naturally authentic, it is about supporting them on their journey to remain connected to this natural state.
