Interactions with Others

A Note from the Team

For the most part, human beings believe others should think like they do.  While they know this isn't accurate, our natural instinct is to be surprised when someone else doesn't understand and think like ourselves.  That also translates to children.  We assume the children coming to us in class have had the same experiences they would in our home, and we are surprised when they don't behave in the way we expect.

We MUST correct this thinking.  Every home in the country is unique - like a fingerprint.  They have different layouts, members, habits, traditions, languages...on...and on....and on.  No two children magically come to your room knowing how to interact with others in the way you expect.  One dad sweeps up a child in his arms and tosses him in the air when they greet.  Another family member grabs the child in a huge hug.  Another may come in the door yelling about a bad day at work, causing the child to flee into another room.  Some have siblings they have to share with.  Some have siblings they DON'T have to share with.  Some are only children and have never heard of sharing!

The purpose behind all of this is simply to say, we cannot expect children to treat each other and the adults with courtesy and respect unless we teach them how to do so.  Simple as that.

~The ECSE Team

Family Connections