Mornings without cries or tears? The Princess of Wales recommends a method that changes everything for parents as well as for children.
The mornings are often synonymous with stress for parents: wakeing up children, preparing breakfast, checking the satchels and clothing of each, while trying not to be late for school and work. A real time trial race where adult patience is very often put to the test. However, these precipitated moments can generate tensions and make the day difficult before it is really started. So how can we better manage these key moments without feeling overwhelmed or stressed? According to parenting experts, the key lies in a simple approach, validated by Kate Middleton herself.
In a video shared by The Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood on YouTube, the Princess of Wales highlights a technique called “pacing” (or “adapted rhythm”). This method is based on a simple, but crucial idea: “Babies and young children learn better when things slow down”. Kate Middleton, who actively participated in the development of these videos, underlines the importance of creating peaceful and benevolent interactions with children. “These moments make it possible to promote the social and emotional development of children from their first years”she said during her visit to the Foundation.
Adults, accustomed to working at a frantic pace, tend to want their offspring to do the same in the morning. “Consequently, the child has even less time to assimilate all this new information and feels outdated. This can result in a child who freezes, cries or seems to ignore you, or a combination of the three”, indicate the experts. While, as the video, the youngest, still in full development reminds us, need more time to process information and respond to requests. By slowing down the pace, parents allow their toddlers to feel less out of date, which reduces frustrations on both sides. During the mornings where children have more time to prepare for their pace, the atmosphere is often more serene. If necessary, do not hesitate to wake them up earlier to take the time to prepare in peace and have a good breakfast.
This principle can also be applied throughout the day, including after school. Specialists recommend, for example, to ask your child a question and give him time to answer them, instead of repeating or reformulating too quickly. You can also extend the reading moments by observing what attracts his attention or letting him choose the pages. These small breaks promote positive exchanges and strengthen the parent-child link. Of course, it is not always possible to slow down, but integrate these calm moments, even for a few minutes, can make all the difference in an already full day. So why not try?
