Frequent, caring and respectful interactions with children
The quality of the interactions that you have with children will influences their cognitive, social, emotional and language development. Caring and respectful interactions that accept each child’s particular communication style assist children to learn to trust their caregivers. Research studies have shown that children whose caregivers interact sensitively with them are more likely to be securely attached to their caregivers. These children show greater social and cognitive competence than children who are not attached to their caregivers. Children who receive caring and respectful interaction from their caregivers are more likely to be less stressed and get on with the other children than children who do not receive these kinds of interactions from their caregivers.
To ensure that each child in care is interacted with frequently and with care and respect, we can use the following example:
Ask on or two children to help you during routine tasks such as putting the beds out and laying the table.
Talking to children about their interests and concerns
Making time to read to individuals and small groups of children
Use appropriate language style for children’s age and their culture
Using appropriate language is a good way to communicate positively with children. The language that we use with children has a direct influence on their self-esteem and the way they feel about themselves. If we interact with children using positive instead of negative language and we are respectful towards children-respectful of their abilities, interests and backgrounds-we will begin to build a self-esteem enhancing environment in which children can develop confidence and learn to interact successfully with others. Children are individual with unique personalities and characteristics that have developed as a result of their families, their