Infant and Toddler Development
Infant and Toddler Development
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” The underlying message in this quote is that people should not get dismissed because they are less powerful or appear smaller in comparison to us. It means that everyone’s interest and opinions should receive due respected even when coming from people not in power or less educated you. Most people tend to dismiss the individual needs of children. Such attitudes are disrespectful. We should know that children have individual needs, and the caregivers should help the children be the best they can be (Genius, 2014).
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The quote by Dr. Seuss captures the basis of the philosophy of infant care. Infants should be allowed to move at their speed and develop their motor skills while provided with a non-restrictive and non-probing environment. The statement by Dr. Seuss can also act as a guide when working with infants and toddlers. For instance, caregivers should know that infants rely on their care and nurture for development and that they should also care for them without any pressure or disrespect. For instance, a child placed in restrictive devices such as high chairs or swings is prohibited from exploring their body’s limitations and capabilities.
All infant programs should stimulate an infant’s individual development lines. Each child should follow their own program, desires, needs and preferences. According to an article by Discovery Trees School (2014), there are guidelines on infant educators on how to foster quality care. A child should receive freedom to explore and learn through interacting with other children. Children should also be observed by their caregivers in order to understand their individual needs. Children should also have a physically safe environment that is cognitively challenging and emotionally nurturing (Discovery Trees School, 2014).
“Children aren’t coloring books. You don’t get to fill them with your favorite colors.”- Khaled Hosseini. The statement means that you should let a child be a child. The statement is in line with my personal philosophy of infants and toddlers care and education. Most caregivers tend to shape children to be who they want without considering their individual needs and desires. I believe every child has their own uniqueness, and they should be themselves. What quote represents your philosophy in infant and toddler care? Do you think caregivers should shape children to be who they want or to let them explore their individuality? (Goodreads, 2014)
References
Discovery Tree School. (2014). Early Discoveries- Infant/Toddler Philosophy. Retrieved from http://www.discoverytreeschools.com/inftodphilosophy.html
Genius. (2014). Revised Lessons of Dr. Seuss. Retrieved from http://genius.com/2342166/Robot-chicken-revised-lessons-of-dr-seuss/A-persons-a-person-no-matter-how-small
Goodreads. (2014). Quotes about Children. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag?id=children
