The Importance of Slowing Down with Your Children

There is so much to learn about the world! Young children are eager to learn everything they can. Thus, slowing down with your children is important. Every child has an intrinsic drive to explore, and be independent- according to Maria Montessori. If a child’s world moves too rapidly and too many things are done for them, they may become passive and miss out on all of life’s small pleasures.

Most people underestimate how autonomous young toddlers can be. One of the most significant distinctions between how an adult and a youngster perform things independently is that adults are significantly faster and more efficient. When a child takes longer than expected, adults can either assist in making things more efficient or assume the youngster is incapable of completing the task and completing it for them. When a youngster is allowed to do work alone, they will gain confidence because of their independence. It’s important to note that an adult’s approach to an activity differs from that of a child.

Slowing Down With Your Child is Important:

“The essence of Independence is to be able to do something for one’s self. Adults work to finish a task, but the child works to grow and is working to create the adult, the person that is to be. Such experience does not just play… it is work he must do to grow up” – Maria Montessori.

Slowing down to give a child time to care for themselves and solve problems allows them to engage in the world in different ways. When a child is doing something meaningful, they will automatically begin to concentrate. Youngsters, unlike an adult, cannot force themselves to concentrate; instead, they require work that is both purposeful and enjoyable to them. Practical life resources, which may be found in every part of a child’s existence, are excellent for building concentration. Getting dressed, brushing their teeth, cutting an apple, and sweeping the floor are just a few examples. If a youngster has learned that they will not be rushed or disturbed, they will be able to concentrate even more.

Sensitive Periods, as defined by Maria Montessori, are learning periods for children. A child’s language, movement, order, social behavior, and sensory refinement are all sensitive throughout the first six years of life. A child is naturally drawn to these and will quickly absorb as much information as possible. A child’s sensitive period for language, for example, is so powerful that a child can quickly learn any language without an accent simply by conversing with others. They can also learn numerous languages if they are exposed to them regularly. Slowing down with kids allows them to learn more. Here are some suggestions for slowing down to accommodate a child’s sensitive moments.

Language:

Slow down and have genuine discussions with your child, remembering to look them in the eyes and listen intently.

Activation:

Only do one item at a time with your child so they can watch or even participate. Getting involved in so many activities at a time could create chaos.

Woman in White Shirt Holding Brown Dog

Organize:

Maintain a reasonable sequence of routines and allow enough time for your child to be independent.

Social Attitudes:

Take the time to tell your child where you’re going ahead of time so they know what to expect and are more inclined to participate.

Senses Refinement:

Take some time to notice how you’re feeling, smelling, and so on. Take pleasant walks while listening to birds. Take a few extra minutes when making dinner to let your child smell and/or taste all the ingredients.

Additional Tips:

  • When showing your youngster something new, slow down sufficiently that you are not talking and moving at the same time.
  • Before going on, concentrate on one part of something and allow them to fixate on it. For example, if you want your child to help with dishes, start with dry dishes until they feel comfortable, then gradually increase the time they spend rinsing and washing.
  • Slow down and pay attention to your child; you may learn a lot just by watching them.

 

Slowing Down With Babies:

There is no bigger miracle than the fact that we are alive. The gift of being parents has been bestowed upon us. How do we demonstrate our gratitude for our infant or young child’s existence in our lives? Slowing down during all of the care-related activities is one of the simplest ways to express how much we care for them. This means that we are going at a slower speed and synchronizing ourselves to her rhythm during every diaper change, every meal, every time we clothe her, bathe her, or put her to sleep.

Slowing down with your children is important

A baby’s body needs time to acclimate to what we’re asking of it. We can ease his tonus and truly become a participant in his care rather than a passive recipient if we give him anticipation of what is about to happen. We don’t want him to ever feel like a commodity. We might say things like, “I’m going to dress you right now,” and then wait a few moments. As we put on his warm sweater, we might say, “I’m going to put this sleeve on your arm,” and depending on the developmental level of this little child, we might even wait for her to give us her arm. We ask for her other arm next, and we wait for her bodily response.

This procedure requires patience and never a sense of impatience. It is our responsibility to provide a tranquil start for our newborns and early children, and it all begins with the adult slowing down and responding to each child’s specific indications of preparedness.

We demonstrate attentiveness and presence by following this procedure; we invite our babies to participate and be co-creators of their care by using articulated movements and a soothing tone of voice. Slowing down with children may take a few minutes longer than rushed care, but the result is a trusting infant who is eager to give us her attention and temperament, and therefore finds pleasure in the interaction. This is a time investment that will pay off in the long run.

Takeaway:

Slowing down with your children is beneficial for both parents and kids. By following simple tips parents can slow down with their kids. Making your kids do smaller things could be quite helpful during their sensitive periods. When it comes to slowing down with your kids, you can opt for Montessori principles and experience the positive changes. Choosing Montessori Education is also the best option!