Whole Child Parenting: Five Things Parents Should Know
Being a parent is one of the most challenging yet rewarding roles in life. From the moment you hold your child in your arms or the first time, you are responsible for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. As parents, we want to do everything in our power to give our children the best start in life and help them grow into happy, healthy, and successful adults. This is where Whole Child Parenting comes in. In this blog post, we will explore what Whole Child Parenting is all about, why it’s essential for parents to know about it, and how you can implement it in your daily life.
Understanding Whole Child Parenting
In today’s fast-paced world, parents are bombarded with conflicting information and advice on how to raise their children and it can be really hard to know what to believe and follow. But one concept that has stood the test of time and is supported by research is Whole Child Parenting. So, what exactly is Whole Child Parenting?
Let’s start with the whole child approach first.
Whole child-centered learning or the “whole child approach” is the idea that kids learn best when all of their needs are met: social-emotional, physical, mental, intellectual, and need for relationship. Similar to the way in which Montessori philosophy focuses on all areas of development, whole child-centered learning takes place when we focus not just on academics and behavior, but on meeting all of a child’s needs. This results in a better learning experience overall and better learning experiences lead to more successful children.
When you adapt these concepts of the whole child approach specifically to fit parenting, you get Whole Child Parenting: an approach to parenting that focuses on nurturing all aspects of a child’s development – physical, emotional, social, and cognitive. It recognizes that children are not just children but unique individuals with their own needs, strengths, and challenges. Instead of just focusing on academic achievement or behavior management, Whole Child Parenting takes a holistic approach to raising children and aims to support their overall well-being.
The Importance of Whole Child Parenting
We all want children to thrive and reach their full potential. By implementing Whole Child Parenting principles in everyday life, especially outside of school settings, we can help them do exactly that. Research has shown that children who have supportive and nurturing relationships with their parents grow up to be more confident, resilient, and successful in various areas of life. By focusing on all aspects of a child’s development, you can better equip them to handle challenges, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build strong relationships.
Here are 5 things to know about Whole Child Parenting.
5 Things to Know About Whole Child Parenting
1. These ideas are supported by decades of scientific research and widely understood by parents and experienced educators.
As mentioned before, the Whole Child approach to learning (which is what Whole Child Parenting is based on) has been researched and promoted by organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Annie E. Casey Foundation to name a few. It is also a key component of successful education programs, including Montessori and Reggio Emilia. This approach recognizes that children’s development is complex and multifaceted, and therefore requires a holistic and individualized approach.
Taking things a step further, it also encompasses child development/developmental psychology and the six stages of development (or six developmental areas), which was researched and popularized by psychologist Howard Gardner. This means that Whole Child Parenting not only focuses on physical, emotional, and cognitive development, but also on social, creative, and moral development.
Gardner believes that each child has their own unique potential and that it is the responsibility of parents and educators to identify, nurture, and develop these various areas of intelligence. This means understanding your child’s strengths and helping them find ways to utilize and build upon them in a balanced way.
What does this mean for parenting?
On the other hand, Whole Child Parenting emphasizes the importance of relationships and connections. It recognizes that children’s emotional well-being is closely tied to their social interactions and sense of belonging. Because of this, when following this philosophy, parents are better equipped to foster positive relationships with their children and also helps them develop healthy peer relationships.
When adapted for life beyond school, Whole Child Parenting encourages parents to take a holistic and individualized approach to raising their children. It means recognizing that each child is unique and has different needs, strengths, and challenges and creating an environment that supports and nurtures all aspects of a child’s development.
This approach leads to better outcomes for young people and is essential for helping kids to do well in school and in life.
By focusing on the whole child and not just academic achievement, parents can help their children become well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in a constantly evolving world.
Children who are not raised with a Whole Child approach may struggle with certain aspects of their development, such as self-esteem, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. This can lead to difficulties in school and in relationships.
It also recognizes the importance of play and creativity in a child’s development and encourages parents to provide opportunities for imaginative play, exploration, and self-expression as a vital part of their child’s learning journey.
One of the foundations of the approach is grounded is that learning happens best In an environment that is safe and one in which the adults believe the kids can learn and succeed.
The home environment plays a big role in implementing the Whole Child Parenting approach. Home is where children spend a significant amount of their time, second only to school, and is often the first place they learn and develop important skills.
As parents, it is important to create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere at home that encourages exploration, creativity, and healthy relationships. This can include designating specific areas for play, learning, and relaxation. For example, having a designated art corner or a reading nook can help children engage in different activities and develop their skills in various areas.
More importantly, the home environment also plays a pretty big role in addressing all areas of development. Bringing the Whole Child approach into parenting and into the hope also gives the child the opportunity to see real life examples through their parents. When children see their parents engaging in different activities, such as reading, cooking, or gardening, they learn that learning and development are ongoing processes. They also learn the value of self-expression and creativity by observing their parents.
With this approach, learning is an “and”, not an “either/or”, meaning that social emotional learning and academic learning should be integrated.
This integration of social and emotional learning with academic learning is significant for healthy children and for the development of a well-rounded individual. It’s important to remember that the child’s brain is constantly developing and has the capacity to absorb new material at a rapid pace. By providing a balanced approach to education, we can support our children in reaching their full potential and achieving their dreams.
Additionally, this integration allows children to develop necessary life skills such as problem-solving, empathy, and resilience while also excelling in academic areas. It creates a holistic approach to learning that not only prepares children for academic success but also equips them with the tools they need to navigate challenges and thrive in different areas of their lives.
It can be implemented at school AND at home.
In order to effectively integrate social and emotional learning with academic learning, the understanding and implementation of developmental concepts usually comes into play. Children go through various stages of development that impact their ability to learn and process information. By being aware of these stages, parents and educators can tailor their approach to learning in a way that aligns with the child’s current stage of development and create continuity for the child across settings.
This integration also promotes the development of strong communication skills. As children are exposed to different perspectives and emotions through social and emotional learning, they learn how to effectively express themselves and understand others. This leads to better communication not only in the classroom but also in family life and other aspects of children’s lives.
Finally, integrating social and emotional learning into academic learning allows for realistic expectations to be set. Every child is unique and has their own pace of development. By incorporating social and emotional skills in the learning process, children are able to build a strong foundation for growth and success while also being encouraged to take on challenges at a pace that is appropriate for them.
The Importance of Whole Child Parenting
As parents, the ultimate goal is to raise well-rounded and fulfilled children who can thrive in all aspects of life. This is where Whole Child Parenting plays a crucial role. By understanding the importance of catering to all aspects of our child’s development – physical, emotional, and mental – we can create an environment that nurtures their growth and allows them to reach their full potential.
