Children are young and happy. They have an unlimited imagination and a strong belief that all things are possible. They are full of love. They give love, but they also need to receive love. In this age of online virtual worlds, instant gratification and narcissism, it is more than ever important we make love the ultimate prime of the curriculum. Love is the foundation for life.
According to Aristotle the highest form of love is that a man loves himself.
Inside all of us we have a core of love. For children, it is important to become aware of this as it contributes to their feeling of healthy self-love and to know that they have love to give to others. Connecting with their own inner core of love helps to develop their self-esteem and to relate peacefully to those around them.
All aspects of children’s development require a foundation of love. We need love to thrive.
It is our role as teachers to provide a place/space and pace where children feel totally 'at home'. Where they can feel grounded and peaceful and in a place where what they are wired to do is 100% catered for. It is important we spend time to think, reflect, feel, and take a sensory stocktake of our environments and as a team question what vibe is in the unseen that is being created. Is it love?
Only an emotional secure child can be engaged in an activity.
Whilst we can’t control what happens at home, we can control what happens at our centres. All children have an emotional need for love. They may be full of love, but if they do not receive love, their emotional fuel tank will soon be empty. If we talk, think and walk in the act of love for the child, if everything reflects this inner drive and believe, than we have love in action, than we fill the emotional fuel tank of the child. This is when we are making deposits in the heart bank of our children.
“What comes from the heart goes to the heart” - Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Love can be expressed in words, touch, attention, and in service, to give a few examples. Words of affirmation can make a world of difference to the child, as can giving full attention and one on one time. An act of service for example by helping the child with a difficult task, or a comforting hug or cuddle when mum leaves are all acts of love if done with full attention and presence.
Children instinctively know whether something is done with sincerity and authenticity. Changing a nappy whilst talking on the phone is not an act of love. Changing a nappy and saying to your friend you will talk to her later and putting down your phone to be fully present and connect with the child in front of you is love in action.
The best teacher believes in those that they teach above what the subject matter is.
How will our children sense our love? They will sense our love if we look into their eyes and say "I believe in you". Every child needs someone who, no matter what, champions for them, defends them, loves them, hugs them, talks to them, is there for them, in action, in words. That is love.