3 pillars of parenting: patience, cONVERSATION & curiosity
Parenting is complicated and hard. That’s why we’ve created this simple framework to help inform the habits you develop with your children.
If you practice patience, encourage curiosity, and engage in conversation, then you can be sure that you are being a good parent and doing the most important things to ensure that your child will be ready to excel in kindergarten and beyond.
Patience is critical because children learn how to deal with stress through observing their parents. Parents who practice patience with their children are modeling social-emotional control for their children and are better preparing their children to deal with stress.
Patience also reinforces attachment and positive bonds between parents and children that are critical for children to feel safe and supported in their exploration in the world.
Every moment is an opportunity for conversation with our children — to explain the world around them, but just as importantly, to listen to our children about how they are feeling and what they are interested in.
Conversation is the strongest way to build attachment and bonds with our children, and it is critical to help them develop language and cognitive skills — but we should remember that conversation is most powerful when the communication goes both ways.
A curious mind is the most powerful trait a child can have. A 2018 study from the University of Michigan found that when children exhibit a curious disposition, the achievement gap between high- and low-income families was completely erased.
Sometimes curious behavior from children can appear problematic, but it’s critical for parents to find ways to encourage and enhance their children’s curiosity whenever possible.
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The voices of parents are important. Check out these must-see videos of parents from our very own community right here in Baton Rouge speaking about their experiences parenting and the 3 pillars: patience, curiosity, & conversation! (Click on Videos link in left-hand column to view.)