Educating Young Children Volume 1 – Spring 2025 | Page 37

2. Let them play.

Children love play! It includes so many activities, like dramatic play, building, creating, engaging with nature, playing board games, and so much more. Allow your child to be in charge of their play. Have them decide what they want to do, how to do it, and who they want to play with.

When your child is playing or creating, let them think about and decide on the“ why” before enforcing boundaries. For example, instead of insisting on playing a board game by the rules, shift your approach. Allow your child to decide by saying,“ Let’ s try the game your way. Can you teach me?” This can help both of you enjoy and engage with each other.

3. Expand on their ideas.

When your child talks with you, listen, ask questions, and try to expand on what they say, even if it seems odd or unrealistic to you. By allowing children to communicate ideas and helping them expand on their thoughts, we help children develop their divergent thinking and build confidence. It encourages their creative thinking, and shows them our respect. This also helps avoid unnecessary power struggles.

Practicing different methods that give your child a sense of control and independence in their world can rejuvenate your ability to be a good leader for your child. After all, we could all use a turn leading— and following the leader.

Andrea Laser, EdD, is a teaching assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver.

This edition of Message in a Backpack™ was adapted from an article on NAEYC’ s For Families website.

This message is meant to be printed out, photocopied, and sent home with children as a resource for families! It is available at NAEYC. org / eyc / encourage-leading.