How to reassure your toddler
HIBERNATION HUB
We all know that toddlers are inquisitive and highly sensitive to change. Montessori cited their absorbent minds, the ability to soak up and learn from everything happening around them.
We might think they don't have the language to grasp the situation surrounding the corona virus outbreak, but they’ll have sensed massive change. They'll have seen people in masks, wonder why they're suddenly at home and be missing friends and family.
In Montessori we address these changes and concerns head-on to equip our children with the knowledge and confidence to ride out the storm.
ask questions
Find out what they’ve heard, what does it mean to them and put straight any wacky or scary ideas. Be available, open and invite questions whenever needed.
Give them the facts
In a Montessori classroom we work with facts tailored to a child's age and level of understanding. We trust them with the truth, seeing anything else as confusing and frustrating. We stay calm, use positive language and offer buckets of reassurance with smiles and cuddles.
We might say; 'there are little germs which are tricky to control as they jump from person to person and make them ill. To stop them jumping we must stay at home for a while and when the virus has gone we'll be able to see our friends again.
If they show an interest in germs, you could try these books:
Reassure them that if they catch the virus they will likely be a bit poorly but recover quickly, but keep your reassurances factual, not everyone will be ok and they’ll soon learn this elsewhere.
Keep talking. This is an ongoing conversation and will meander off in different directions. If the talk of illness and the body piques an interest, these books from our classroom come recommended.
First encyclopedia of the human body
assign a role
In Montessori, learning is hands-on (concrete) and children play an active role in the community. This is key in them understanding their place and developing a sense of responsibility and independence. Being useful will reduce their anxiety and give back some control. What role can they play in the home? Perhaps a daily temperature check (including teddy), ensuring hand washing and helping to clean. This is also a great moment to model neighbourliness and care for others, can they help donate to a food bank or pick up shopping for a neighbour in isolation?
Connect with important people
You might still have daily connection with work colleagues but don't forget your toddler has gone from seeing their friends and family regularly to not at all. They need to talk. Schedule regular video calls, for example my nieces and nephews have been reading my two year old his bedtime stories via Skype.
create a calm environment
There's no getting around how stressful this situation is. As parents we are juggling changes we couldn't have dreamed of three weeks ago. Finances, career, family, household, marital - you name it, the corona virus has amplified it and whilst mostly out of our control, what we expose our young children to is very much within our control. When with them, keep news channels off, social media and mobile use to a minimum and work and play separate (if possible). Be present, smile and surround them with love. Notice the tiny things.
Once they've gone to bed, panic all you like.
Karen Partridge founded Playhood and is mum to a two year old.
Laura Perfetti is an experienced Montessorian and Playhood Head of School.
Read more about the Montessori approach at Playhood here and drop us an email to find out more.