How adults communicate non-verbally with children aged three to five has a profound effect on self-esteem and self-belief, explains Charlotte Goddard

Download the PDF of this article

 

Three- to five-year-olds are putting in place the foundations for learning, including self-confidence, resilience, problem-solving and the ability to take in new information. Our behaviour as adults can help or hinder them in that cognitive journey.

‘Unspoken messages can lay the foundation for fear and lack of confidence, or equally for mastery and resilience,’ says early years consultant Kathryn Solly. ‘A parent may be holding a child’s arm when he or she is balancing on a low wall, and the child says “let go”, but the parent is hanging on for dear life. If this behaviour continues, then the child accepts this as the status quo – “when I walk on a wall I must have my hand held”.’

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here



Nursery World Jobs

Deputy Manager

South Hornchurch

Co Nursery Manager

Clapham, London (Greater)

Nursery Practitioner

Hammersmith and Fulham, London (Greater)