Seeing the World Through Your Child’s Eyes

When we're kids we are full of wonder and curiosity, and as we grow older we find ourselves losing the excitement that we once felt towards the world around us. We see it in the media we consume all the time; stories like Peter Pan tell of children wanting to maintain their youth and freedom, and as a result paint a negative image of adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. So, how can we as caregivers remind ourselves of the true freedom and bliss that comes with being a child? Below are some ways to channel your inner child that you can practice daily.

Get on your child's level

One of, if not the best way to engage your child in a way that will speak to them is by physically getting on their level. Lowering yourself to the child's height creates a more inviting and approachable demeanor, which, as a result, allows the child to feel more comfortable during interactions. Of course, the benefits are not just for the child. As caregivers, we can gain insights to a child's world when looking at it from their point of view. When your perspective changes, you can notice things that you otherwise may not have. For example, may you notice that they can't actually see any of their artwork on the walls because it's posted at your eye level rather than theirs. Adjusting our interactions, and even our environment, in this way shows children that their perspective is valued and appreciated.

Don't be afraid to play

Playtime is such a crucial aspect of a child's life. Everything that a preschooler is learning is being taught through play, and that goes for both academic skills and life skills. All adults in a child's life have a responsibility, to some degree, for the enrichment of that child. Whether they are primary caregivers, like parents or guardians, or secondary caregivers like teachers or grandparents, their job is to guide the child in a positive direction. Preparing children for both an academic career and adult life begins in early childhood, so don't be afraid to play with them. Imaginative play like "dress-up" has so many benefits. It gives children a chance to take charge in their life without any of the harsh consequences. Often times, children enjoy playing as the parent while the parent takes on the role of the baby. Let your child explore their creativity with you as a passenger along for the ride. Follow their lead, and understand that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Observing and engaging with your child while they play is a great way to learn about their interests, personality, fears, and dreams. Remember that playing isn't just for kids! It actually has a great benefit on the physical and mental health of adults, as well. This great article details more about how amazing play is for our well-being.

Ask questions

Engaging in conversations with children is vital for so many of their skills, such as critical thinking and language development, but it also has huge benefits for us as well. When we talk with our children, we learn about their train of thought, their interests, and their overall personality. It goes without saying that understanding your child's personality is the key to understanding them as an individual. Whether we are parents or educators, asking questions is an informative first step to gauging children's development and knowledge. Some examples of thought-provoking questions you can ask include:

"Why do you think the wind blows?"

"What do you think the clouds are made of?"

"Do you think bugs have mommies and daddies?"

Questions like these invite children to use their critical thinking skills to find the answer, however more often than not, they will introduce to you creative and imaginative ways of thinking. Think of it as improv, and go along with the "yes, and" mentality; whatever your child says, agree with it and then build upon in. Soon, you will have created a wondrous fantasy world that you can explore together!