The Importance of Love in a Child’s Early Years

By Gabriella Emery, Head of The Roche Nursery Schools (Keswick House Nursery in Putney and The Roche Nursery School in Wandsworth)

The unconditional love a parent shows their child mirrors, in some aspects, the ‘professional love’ that practitioners in impactful early years settings offer a child in their care. It is about knowing how a child likes to be loved and putting their best interests at heart, making sure their emotional needs are met.

A loving and supportive home environment supported by a Nursery with a loving pedagogy will help a child’s self-esteem to soar.

Love has such a strong influence on child development and these simple reminders are worth the world to your little ones:

LISTEN:

Children have a powerful voice so make sure your child is listened to and that their opinion counts. Get down to their level, make eye contact and pause to allow your child to put forward their views. What they say should matter; they will feel so much more valued too. Words of affirmation are big news for little ones.

BE FAIR:

If you have more than one child, focus on their individuality and try hard to offer your time equally. They may be polar opposites so focus on their qualities rather than their skills which is a positive way to show your love for them.

UNDERSTAND:

Know how your child likes to love or be loved. Buying gifts may not be the fastest route to your child feeling loved so work out what makes them feel the emotional warmth of your love. This could be specific praise you offer them, the positive touch of hand holding or noticing when they need help, however small that gesture may be.

MODEL:

Be a role model for loving ways – what you emulate will have a lasting impression. Don’t be nervous to use the word love and highlight the love around your child in your family unit. ‘The Invisible String’ by Patrice Karst is a great starting point to look at love through books.

SPEND QUALITY TIME:

So many parents cram their child’s already busy weekend with extra activity but less is more. Just enjoy the simple things together – your child will learn just as much. Find your inner child and be childish together by playing games and being spontaneous. Offering your time, however short, speaks volumes. If you are not time rich, reserve a regular slot which will become precious between the two of you.

HAVE A SENSE OF ORDER:

Where possible, keep to important routines e.g. bedtimes/bath times, as children adore consistency. Routine offers stability which in turn helps a child feel more secure and loved.

BE SUPPORTIVE:

Mistakes happen; reframe the mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow. Talk openly about mistakes and support your child to understand what they could have done differently. Show your love no matter what.

With a growth mindset approach (very Roche School!), changing ‘I can’t do it’ to ‘I can’t do it yet’ is a thought to hold onto, coupled with a huge hug ‘of love’!