I’m pretty sure that when my parents talked to me about safety in the early 1990s, they were simply thinking about the insecurities I might encounter when I left them and rediscovered the vast and uncertain world outside. Once the street lights come on and I get home, they can rest easy assuming I’m safe.
For kids and parents these days, things are a little complicated. Children exploring the online world can find themselves in unsafe situations without even leaving their rooms. Whether dealing with strangers, encountering harmful content, or facing online bullying, today’s kids need a strong foundation of self-confidence so they can learn to trust their inner voice and respond when faced with difficult situations online. A smart choice.
Even young children can learn to make safe, wise choices. It’s a good idea to start teaching your children to trust their inner voice as early as possible! This approach is also good for parents. It can help alleviate some of the anxieties that come with being a parent in this age of constant information.
Thankfully, experts are here to assist you. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer of The Goddard School, spoke to Scary Mommy to provide parents with six tips for raising toddlers, preschoolers and older children to listen to their instincts and help them become better adults. Confident and safer.
1. Encourage independence
Locasto said that in Goddard classrooms, children learn independence through inquiry-based learning, a child-led teaching method driven by the students’ own curiosity. You can use this principle at home to give your child a sense of autonomy and build a foundation for self-confidence.
“Start early and give children the space and space to make choices. Even young children should have the opportunity to choose A or B,” Locasto said. Making decisions builds confidence and can help children use decision-making skills to evaluate online risks.
2. Definitely a good choice
When your child makes an informed decision, be sure of that choice! Explain why their choice of clothing is perfect for the weather, or discuss how their choice of snacks helps their bodies grow. “Take note of your child’s successes, acknowledge the situation and the child’s reaction to it, and point out the positive impact of the choice,” Locasto says.
3. Teach logical consequences
Dr. Locasto also encourages parents to let their children experience the natural, safe consequences of their imperfect choices. “If a child makes a less-than-ideal choice, but it’s not unsafe, let the child experience the safe consequences of that choice,” she says. “For example, if your child insists on wearing rain boots, even though you know it might make their feet hot, allow them to make the choice and deal with it through logical, natural consequences.” Understanding the impact of their actions can help children be more Ability to assess and respond to difficult situations in real life and online.
4. Let your child play simply
The Goddard School’s Learning Miracles education program raises the expectation that children will actually learn, not just complete a series of tasks. A variety of indoor and outdoor learning centers allow children to learn concepts through discovery and imaginative play within a flexible curriculum framework.
“Unstructured play allows children to use their imagination, critical thinking skills, social skills, and executive functioning skills to create their own play scenarios, design game rules, create game props, and use their own knowledge of the world around them to Engage in interactions. This helps them develop critical thinking, social and creative skills while learning to trust their instincts and make their own decisions.
5. Support self-advocacy
Encourage your child to solve problems independently and seek assistance when needed. Role-playing different scenarios can help them practice these skills in a safe environment. For example, say to your child: “Sometimes, when I feel like I don’t stand a chance, I say to my friend, ‘You’ve been playing with that toy for so long. Now it’s my turn. Can you share it with me?’ Say, “Suppose I’m a friend who doesn’t share her beach ball. What can you say to me to remind me to share?
Self-advocacy is an important life skill, and by practicing it with a trusted adult, children can learn how to advocate for themselves and know when to ask for help if they encounter unsafe situations online.
6. Teach digital literacy through play together
Most children can easily learn to use technology, but without intentional guidance, they will not understand how to use it safely. Locasto explained that technology is not an ideal independent activity for young children. “Teaching the use of technology along with safety and responsibility is critical,” she said.
Parents should install age-appropriate apps and use parental controls, but nothing can replace your presence. By using technology together, parents can guide their children in identifying unsafe online behaviors and instill the confidence in their children to seek help when situations arise online.
Locasto knows that building a foundation of confidence allows children to explore the digital world safely and confidently, which is why The Goddard School’s Learning Miracles education program focuses on child-centered learning through play. Developing creativity, responsibility and independence is key to ensuring children are able to trust their instincts both online and offline.
