EXPLORATION
Learning, playing, discovering, tRYING
When your child is playing or creating something, when they are focussed on something, trying something different, learning or practicing a new skill, taking on a difficult challenge, they are exploring!
When you are reliably ‘there’ for your child (safe harbour), you are providing the foundations for natural, flexible, lasting confidence and independence.
When your child feels confident and easy in their connection with you, that gives them the emotional ‘fuel’ they need for exploring; they can naturally feel brave enough to try things on their own, or truly immerse themselves in their learning, secure in the knowledge they have a safe harbour to come back to for a re-fuel whenever they need.
EXPLORATION PICTURE GALLERY
We’ve started collecting pictures, quotes, video clips that we think capture moments of children in exploration mode. Have a browse. What feelings, memories or ideas do these pictures stir in you?
Try this: Scroll some of the photos on your phone now. Can you find a photo that captures a moment of child in a moment of real curiosity, play, personal challenge, creativity or learning?
Have you noticed that your child is usually at his most curious, playful and creative, and can concentrate best on his learning when he feels ‘topped up’ on your love? We think a child’s true confidence just naturally grows out of feeling safely held in mind by us, and relaxed in the knowledge that they will be welcomed back in by us, just as they are.
What do you think you were providing at that time that allowed your child to really immerse themselves in their exploration?