I am Me, and you are YOU.
Children at this age are still learning that people can have their own likes and dislikes, and their own special features. Don’t be afraid to point out ways that people are different from each other – but do so in ways that communicate respect and excitement about those differences. Talk about how differences help us learn and create opportunities to try new things.
Being able to celebrate differences requires that children can celebrate the special things about themselves! Your kid is awesome! Make sure they know it.
Your child is GROWING and changing every minute!
Use a journal or Child Development Log to document your child’s milestones. It will be fun to go back at the end of their first year and look at how much they’ve grown and changed.
Your child notices everything about the people around them. They might be confused that people look or act differently than they do.
- Find concrete ways to talk about differences between your child and others (you, their siblings, friends). Point out all of the important and unique qualities that make your child different and incredible!
- Keep challenging your own thoughts and assumptions about specific groups. Why can’t boys wear makeup? Why shouldn’t girls collect bugs?
Everyone has their own way of doing things, even your kids.
Did you know?
Your baby might be doing things with other caregivers that they don’t do at home. Check in with other adults to make sure you don’t miss out if your baby is feeding themselves at school but not with you!
- As your child realizes they are their own person, they will begin to figure out that their way of doing things may not be the same as yours. That’s okay! Allow your child to try doing things their own way when appropriate.
-
- Let them try eating applesauce with a fork. No harm no foul.
-
- Let them smash their avocado into the tray before scooping it up to eat.
- Go ahead and let them wear two different socks, or use a dishtowel as a blanket.
-