Hi and welcome to the site
This was touched on in a recent chat about K3D174 ~
Respecting individuality
K3D175 Why it is important for children to understand and respect other people’s feelings and how you can encourage and support this.
It's important to understand other people's feelings because that's the way we all have to live together !!
Another factor is in broadening the mind - learning that not everyone shares the same thoughts, views & opinions or indeed reponses can be quite alarming and unless ground work is done in knowing that it's ok to feel uncertain about things, it can be quite soul destroying to have the rug pulled out from under you, regardless of age !!
One example of a contrast question could be:
'Why can't I go to the park ... XX always does ?'
and then on the other hand XX comes to you and asks 'Why can't he/she go to the park !!?'
One child may feel angry at a parent/carer's decision not to allow them.
One may feel sad. One may be pleased .. as they didn't really want to go !
The other child may suddenly wonder why they are allowed to go when others aren't... it might not of occured to them there are reason's why they shouldn't or others can't !
They may feel happy about having the freedom to go there when they like or maybe boastful that they are allowed to do something someone else isn't .. which could be an opening for teasing .. they may possibly feel sad that the other child can't go & that they have to go on without them.
Supporting all these reasons & their feelings is basically being able to say it's ok !!
We all as parents and carers make decisions that are very individual to each of us .. teaching about fairness, and the reasons why decisions are made, even more so when they don't seem fair, need to be given so that they are understood !
Points to supporting an understanding of feelings could include:
- Resolving differences/causes of concern as quickly as possible.
- Answering questions with confidence - if an answer isn't known .. explain that and say you'll try to find someone who does know.
- Ask questions that don't pry too deeply.
- Show interest and be approachable.
- Use language that everyone understands.
- Make your intentions/ ideas for further actions clear.
- Follow up on any 'verbal courses of action' that you gave.
Finally ..
- Don't be concerned that you need to repeat yourself 600 zillion million times before anything makes sense .. to anyone lol
Helping to understand feelings:
and the very reasons that make someone individual
On a day to day level .. it's more about taking the time to listen, talk and discover !
Asking the Child why they feel the way they do and gently enquiring as to the reasons behind that.
Is a Child happy today because it's their Birthday tomorrow ?
Or do they come in and appear Sad because of it ?
Both scenarios warrant equal support in understanding the feelings involved as it may transpire the happy child is just thrilled they are finally recieving the toy they've waited a whole week for ... and the sad Child is devastated to of found out their nanna hasn't been able to come to the party as planned.
Encourage support from others by inviting them into the conversation. Give the children the opportunity to explain their feelings and reasons to each other .. and where appropriate encourage them all to ask each other questions.
On a slightly more contraversial note, themes and topics can help focus activities to larger reasons, although free flow seems to be a more relaxed and easy going approach - not sure what research is saying at the moment on the longer term implications of how 'embeded the learning aims of specific subjects could be in a 'themed V freeflow' workplace .. lol
Hth a bit .. please let us know how it goes ..