Day to Day the Relationship Way by Wittmer Donna S.;Honig Alice Sterling;

Author:Wittmer, Donna S.;Honig, Alice Sterling;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: National Association for the Education of Young Children
Published: 2020-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Be a Keeper of the Spirit of the Child

A “care for the spirit” day is one that cares for the essence of the child—the need for love and attention. The Expanding Quality in Infant Toddler Care Initiative in Colorado (Colorado Office of Early Childhood, n.d.) used the term to describe days when children need more attention. Being able to identify these times helps teachers feel and show more empathy for young children who are having a difficult day and need more loving attention, perhaps because they are not feeling well or did not get enough sleep the night before. If a child is clingy or fussy, ask yourself, “What may have happened that resulted in the child needing more loving attention today?” While you may not know the reason, you can tune in to his need for you to care for his spirit.

Understand that infants and toddlers will have days when they are fussy or tired and need your gentle care for their emotional well-being. Recognize that each child is vulnerable if she is left to cry, if her sense of self-worth is diminished, if she misbehaves to get attention, and if her needs for affection and loving attention are not met. When a toddler clings to you, you can keep her close and say, “This is a care for the spirit day.” Be kind, generous, reassuring, and positive.

Caring for the Spirit of the Child

I do not care how you look.

I just care that you look at me.

I do not care whom else you love.

I just care that you love me.

I do not care whom you know.

I just care that you know me.

I want you to know that I have a vacant feeling

When someone new takes care of me.

She does not hold me quite right.

She does not know that I like to play peekaboo.

I want you.

I care that you know how to hold me.

I care that you are gentle with me.

I care that I can snuggle safely into you.

I care that you are my safe haven.

I care that you hold me when I cry.

I care that you feed me when I’m hungry.

I care that you listen to me and talk with me.

I care that you laugh and sing songs with me.

I care that you focus on helping me learn.

I care that you wait to see if I can solve a problem.

I care that you help me when I need it.

I care that you make me happy and smile a lot.

I care that my family trusts you.

I care that you care.

—Donna Wittmer

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