In practice I always strive to foster a safe space for children and youth to be seen and heard. I find that when I am able to enter their worlds, that is, to see the world from their perspective I am better able to empathize and connect with them. Children often cannot articulate how they feel using clear and concise words (many adults can’t either!); instead they show us with their actions and big behaviours.
The Whole-Brain Child is a book that is one of my top recommendations to all parents and those who interact closely with children. It is a very easy read with practical and easy-to-apply strategies, offering insight into how parents can use each and every interaction with their child as an opportunity to foster their child’s emotional intelligence by connecting both the emotional and logical parts of the brain. Many of the strategies I use in my interactions with children and youth are captured in this book.
Covid plug: For those parents feeling overwhelmed with how to support their children in this new reality we are currently living in – this book is one I encourage you to read! Just like many of us, children are also trying to process this pandemic. They are experiencing a great sense of loss, fear, uncertainty, frustration and they might not understand why they must physically distance, why they can’t see their grandparents or friends, or why they must experience life like this right now. They might be communicating these big emotions with big behaviours.
-Parcilla