Every Child is an Artist

There is so much power in the messages that a child hears from the important grown ups in his life – a parent, a nanny or perhaps a grandparent. The words we say, the time we make, the intentions we hold and our behaviours all communicate something to the child. It’s through these different layers of communication that a child’s innate self worth and potential is either strengthened or hindered; “I am worthy,” “I am kind,” “I am creative.”

So as caregivers what is the secret to strengthening in our children a positive self-identity and allowing their potential to beautifully unfold? There are two ingredients to this magic potion… 

The first is fostering a relationship with your child that is grounded in secure attachment. An attachment with a caring and responsive adult who the child knows will love her unconditionally and keep her safe (for more on this see our Relationship and Behaviour blogs).

The second ingredient is allowing TIME for nature to work it’s magic. One real myth about childhood is that babies come to us as blank slates who need to be taught and filled up. But the truth is that, just like a tiny bulb that perfectly grows into a beautiful flower, a child who is safe and loved will also unfold perfectly, just as nature intended! We don’t need to spend our hard earned money taking our little ones to art class, music lessons and dance school. 

All we actually need to do is provide a rich and open-ended learning environment in our homes and give our young children time to play, to explore and to discover. And if you patiently watch and wait a while, you will be astounded by the abundant creativity that flows from your child - the artist that lies within each child, who is secure in the knowledge that he is in fact a confident and competent creator, will begin to unfold.

For more tips and tricks around caring for children, click here.

To find your ideal nanny, click here.