Chapter 7 – Self-directed, Engaged Learning. Principle 1: Establish a trustworthy relationship with your child.
We are role models for our children starting from early infancy. They want to be like us. This has important implications for parenting, emotional development, and early education. (P.301)
This is important because it:
- Keeps children safe. If children are fearful and stressed – if they’re in a fight-or-flight situation for long periods of time – they’re less able to pay attention, to remember, and to have self control. Children need to feel safe in order to learn.
- Makes them feel secure. The day-in-day-out security of children’s relationships with the important people in their lives makes it possible for them to try new things, to learn new things.
- Gives them structure. Part of being reliable is providing structure, a routine and pattern for their lives that children can count on. (P. 311-312)
Action 6: Try to keep your own “alarm button” on low. It’s important to help your children want to venture out, to take a reasonable amount of risk. (P. 288)