Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) has a straightforward goal: to teach parents and carers how to foster an environment characterised by honesty and self-sufficiency. Central to RIE is treating children and infants with the same level of respect we strive to exhibit in our adult relationships.
Proponents of RIE argue that it implies a withdrawal from overprotective parenting and urges parents to create capable, competent, courteous, problem-solving children. Referencing Baby Knows Best, The Atlantic writes: Overprotected children, according to psychologist Peter Gray, who coined the phrase "helicopter parenting," suffer from what he calls a "play deficit," or an extreme absence of unstructured playtime. The book Raising a Confident and Resourceful Child, the RIE Way is a welcome exception to this trend. Yet, when RIE is discussed in the media, it is frequently the subject of debate. The most common criticism of RIE is that it prematurely adultizes youngsters.
Many famous people, including Tobey Maguire, Penelope Cruz, Helen Hunt, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Hank Azaria, have publicly endorsed the RIE method of parenting in recent years, helping to bring the method widespread notice.
Since RIE was developed in 1978 by Magda Gerber, a Hungarian educator who collaborated closely with paediatrician Emmi Pikler and paediatric neurologist Tom Forrest, labelling it as a new craze is misleading. The whole goal of RIE was to simply advocate a better method to raise children around the world, and Gerber based it on her own parenting experience and on time she spent volunteering in a Hungarian orphanage where she worked with Pikler. Baby Knows Best, written by RIE Executive Director Deborah Carlisle Solomon and published in December 2013, promotes the RIE philosophy, which its supporters typically treat as a way of life.
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FAQs About Baby Nursery
How long it takes to settle depends a lot on what their past experiences have been and whether they're already used to being apart from you. We have seen some children who settle instantly, but this is a rare occurrence. On average, we usually find that it takes children somewhere between 2-4 weeks to fully settle in.
Nursery provides a routine and structure to your child's day, which can include meal times, naps, indoor and outdoor activities. This routine helps them to feel more confident and secure, in control of their feelings and is great preparation for school.
He should sleep in his own crib or bassinet (or in a co-sleeper safely attached to the bed), but shouldn't be in his own room until he is at least 6 months, better 12 months. This is because studies have shown that when babies are close by, it can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS
A nursery class is a pre-school class attached to a school. They provide early education and childcare to children usually aged between three and five years. They are normally open from 9am until 3.30pm and you may be offered either a morning or afternoon session, they are closed during school holidays.
Ideally, between 4 and 9 months is the best time to leave your baby overnight for the first time. This is because before 4 months your baby will still be establishing breastfeeding and building a connection between both parents, so they're a little too young to be away from you.
RIE Philosophy’s Key Tenets
The ultimate aim of RIE is to foster a child's sense of self-worth, self-sufficiency, and competence. The RIE approach, which was developed from Emmi Pickler's work, places a heavy emphasis on respect. Parents and teachers should believe in an infant's innate capacity for learning and development and facilitate that process as much as possible. The greatest way for parents to comprehend their newborn's communication and needs is to observe the infant.
When parents and teachers are able to openly and constructively communicate with one another, it fosters a setting that is conducive to education and personal development. A parent or caregiver's attentiveness to their infant, whether through eye contact, tone of voice, or body language, can convey confidence in the child's ability to explore and learn. Using language and explanations of actions to include a baby in routine activities is only one example. Diaper changes, baths, and feedings are all examples of these routine everyday activities.
Discipline can be fostered in infants by being consistent and by clearly articulating expectations. Infants pick up on both vocal and nonverbal cues even at a young age. Exposing a baby to novel experiences and stimuli on a daily basis promotes a lifelong, cumulative learning process.
Gerber strongly advocated for letting babies have free play time to discover the world at their own speed and with their own interests. This free-flowing play lets newborns learn at their own pace and in their own ways, rather than being forced upon them. Parents and teachers alike need to be able to offer a setting that is both secure and demanding.
It's important that a baby is able to explore and interact with their surroundings in their own, uninhibited way. Predictability in an infant's surroundings facilitates learning since the child can prepare for what is coming next. Babies have an innate need to roam and discover their surroundings, and when they are in a secure setting, they can do so without worry.
The fact that this concept of openness, honesty, and trust can be practised by people of any age and leads to greater personal development and contentment is a fantastic bonus. The focus of RIE is on helping kids develop a strong sense of self and a genuine sense of belonging in the world. Their newfound calm and assurance will serve them well throughout their academic career. On this path, you'll develop both intellectually and socially.
When you fully appreciate the value of trust, acceptance, and mutual respect, you can build lasting bonds with the people you care about. From infancy onward, people flourish and find fulfilment when they have a deep sense of who they are and how they fit into the world around them.
The RIE of the Natural World
One way to show a youngster proper respect is to refrain from "interfering with her experience of encountering life," as Gerber puts it. The outdoors is a great place to meet all sorts of living things. What are some effective means of keeping out of the way, especially given the inherent risks present in undeveloped areas of the world?
When it comes to learning, RIE advocates for a child's natural tendency to explore the world through play. She develops skills in learning, regulating her emotions, and communicating with others through this type of play, in addition to gaining insight into herself and the world around her. In doing so, she fosters the growth of her "executive function," which includes functions like attention, impulse control, working memory, and self-regulation. Both her motor abilities and her strength improve. Over time, she grows in assurance.
However difficult it may be to accept, she does not require your presence in order to play. Most forms of parental participation either limit play or make it less internally motivated and directed, which is detrimental to a child's growth.
Because they offer a wealth of materials but no prepackaged games, rules, or buttons, natural areas are perfect for free-form play. Don't make suggestions, give orders, provide distractions, offer lessons, or interrupt her without good reason so that she can take advantage of the situation.
Instead, you should let her enjoy herself by playing. Observe. Have faith that even if it seems like a small step, she is making the right decision for herself.
Wait for a convenient moment and tell her about your plans to impose upon her, such as meeting up with friends or getting somewhere. So that we don't get lost, I propose we start down the trail towards where we'll meet Stevie. It's crucial that you treat your work with her as seriously as she does. I see you clambering up the log; would you like a little extra time to complete the task?
Allow the Kids to Have Some Trouble
Instead than educating, supporting, or controlling a child's motor development, RIE advocates for just stepping back and letting it happen naturally and on the child's own timetable. It also stresses the need of letting him work through cognitive and social difficulties independently. He gains the essential ingredient for self-assurance—a knowledge of what he can and cannot do on his own—by figuring things out on his own. Because he is learning how to learn, he gets more self-motivated to continue expanding his knowledge.
To improve one's physical, mental, and (when in a group) social abilities, there is no better place than in nature. Don't try to help a child who's having trouble doing something, like getting down from a rock (which undermines his ability to assess situations for himself).
To get started, look around you. If you give him a chance, you could be impressed by his abilities. If you want to validate his impressions, you can do so by verbalising your own thoughts. You look like you might be trying to crouch down. I know this is challenging for you. Encourage people to be alert of any potential threat. We're at the very brink now. You are in a precarious position. Move him around as necessary. In the event that help is sought or required, offer only the bare minimum at first. Please feel free to take my helping hand.
No doubt, we need to take measures to prevent any unintended consequences. Unfortunately, it's surprisingly simple to intervene when it's not necessary, depriving kids of valuable learning opportunities.
Leave It to the Kids to Calm Themselves
Allowing a kid to explore and manage her feelings is a basic tenet of RIE. The primary means by which this is accomplished is by giving her emotional support without taking on the burden of accountability for the feelings she may be experiencing. Although experiencing and working through challenging emotions is a necessary part of healthy emotional development, doing so in a way that treats them as personal problems to be solved might have the opposite effect. Most parents need a lot of time to get used to the idea of their children experiencing distress.
When a youngster is given the opportunity to fail, an experience like falling in nature might evoke a range of negative feelings. Find out what she is going through and desiring rather than defining the problem for her (You're OK), telling her she needs outside aid (Let me kiss it and make it better), diverting her (Oh, look a blue jay), or belittling her feelings (Look, it's not so awful).
Observe. Think aloud. Oh, I notice you scraped your knee. I can hear your sobs. Inquire. What did you think? How about some hugs? Should I hold you? Should we give it another shot? Accept her emotions without judgement.
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Allow the Kids to Find Their Own Drive.
Rather of relying on the opinions of others, RIE advocates for the use of one's own internal evaluations to guide behaviour. The habitual nature with which we praise a child's accomplishments really leads him or her to seek validation from others (or disapproval). Expecting something that isn't supplied creates an atmosphere of judgement and indicates criticism. A youngster will soon be able to tell the difference between genuine and fake praise, which might damage your connection with them. Many academic studies show that children who are frequently praised for their accomplishments develop an unhealthy obsession with their own performance and avoid new learning experiences for fear of making mistakes. But people who are praised for their efforts tend to make even greater ones. 3 If they are not taught to seek it elsewhere, children find happiness inside themselves.
It's certain that a kid would have both successful and unsuccessful outdoor experiences. Don't give in to his need for affirmation by clapping, cheering, giving him a grade (Fantastic job), or praising his abilities (Wow, you're such a good climber).
You can communicate with him if you want to, but only at times when doing so won't disrupt his concentration. Success finally found you. You might compliment his work or acknowledge his efforts. You put in tremendous effort in an effort to ascend, and you succeeded. Perhaps the next time you try as hard as you did this time, you will succeed. Discuss your emotions. Can you describe the sensation of finally succeeding? You appear to be really upset.
Set Boundaries That Are Both Clear and Definite.
Cooperation is a strength of RIE's, and it may help develop it in even the most reluctant of learners. A basic principle is that it is preferable to offer calm empathy, establish clear limits, and enforce them swiftly and consistently rather than humiliating, diverting, bribing, or threatening with fabricated consequences.
However, just because you have some freedom to move around, does not imply you may do everything you choose. The potential for damage to people, property, or the environment makes some pursuits unacceptable. Playing with others might quickly become overwhelming. It's also worth noting that nature is highly valued for the peace and quiet it provides. Keeping with the philosophy of "Leave No Trace" wilderness ethics, which emphasises respect for the privacy and space of other visitors, may require setting boundaries for particularly boisterous children.
When setting boundaries with a youngster, it helps to explain the situation aloud. You're stealing the blossoms off off the vine. To put it simply, that is harmful to the environment. Give it to her straight and explain why you want it rather than asking for it. We have to head back to the house for lunch, so we'll be leaving in just 5 minutes. You should refrain from using the question mark at the conclusion of a statement. In order to receive recognition, you must first seek it. Were you able to hear me? It's important to respect her wishes. Clearly, you don't want to go. You can't help but feel reluctant to end this enjoyable experience. Show them how to act in the way you want them to and suggest better ways of doing things if at all possible. Treat the flowers with this kind of care, please. Sticks don't break as easily as other things. It's excellent to talk things out and try to negotiate (if she's capable of doing so), but you shouldn't allow the standoff much breathing room. If you want to set a limit, give them the option to comply or face your authority. That's not going to happen, you know. Is it your preference to walk with me or have me carry you? Invariably keep your word!
The Advantages and Disadvantages of the RIE Approach to Parenting
Those who subscribe to the RIE philosophy of parenting assert that its principles have enduring effects, laying the groundwork for a future filled with mutual love and respect between parent and child. With RIE's emphasis on "educaring" ("We should educate while we care and care while we educate," Gerber famously said), parents are also able to grow and change. Solomon argues that RIE is the best option for parents since it leads to a relationship founded on trust and respect between parent and child.
The RIE approach to parenting clearly includes features that honour children. For instance, RIE encourages children to play with more low-tech, multipurpose toys and less noisy, battery-operated ones. It suggests that adults take it easy and learn to appreciate and value their toddler's rhythms. Without the interruptions of technology like phones, TVs, and the Internet, couples can focus on each other. (This, however, is not specific to the RIE approach of parenting. Numerous studies have shown that children benefit greatly from unstructured play and less time spent in front of screens and other technological distractions.
However, some parents find it challenging to look past RIE's more contentious aspects, which may lead them to conclude that the approach is not suitable for all families. The RIE criteria have been criticised for being excessively rigid and inappropriate for children's developmental stages. The kind of self-regulation needed in dispute resolution, for instance, may be beyond the developmental capabilities of some infants, necessitating the involvement of adults. Even though it's great that RIE stresses observation in order to assist kids learn to rely on themselves, it can be problematic if it makes parents ignore their natural need to provide comfort and support in times of crisis. Critics of RIE argue that its practises, like as the "wait and see" response to a child's cries, can be harmful, particularly for infants, who need constant care and instant attention in order to develop trust and foster a link with their parents or carers.
Is There Proof That RIE Is Effective?
Some people think RIE is outdated because it doesn't always take into account new scientific findings. Although Gerber collaborated with doctor Pikler and paediatric neurologist Forrest, they used data from the late 1970s. The RIE approach seems to persist even as our understanding of child and infant development grows.
Gerber was a parent, and so is Solomon; she raised her teenage son using RIE principles, and she says the approach is more flexible than it initially appears to be.
Baby cooperation is encouraged but not required in RIE, according to Solomon. We are committed to being always prepared. We would treat each baby with care and consideration, recognising his individual development and progress, and not pushing him beyond his capabilities. RIE equips parents with strategies for providing care that is both responsive and respectful. It encourages introspection on the part of parents, allowing them to see instances in which they are meeting their own needs rather than meeting their baby's.
Consistency
Consistency and well-defined limits are equally important for infants and toddlers. Consistency can be fostered in newborns and infants by establishing day-to-day rituals and rhythms that the baby can learn to use to anticipate and settle into what will come next.
In other words, you may create pleasurable and relaxed time together by establishing a pattern that is both predictable and distinctive to your family, without having to be overly strict with your schedule or rituals.
Caregiving is the most straightforward method of establishing stability. Babies, and the rest of us, can rest easy at resting times like bedtime and naps, for example, because we know that everything will go according to plan. It could involve changing into comfy pyjamas, cleaning hands and face with a warm towel, reading a book or two, drinking from a bottle or breastfeeding, singing some favourite songs, and then turning out the light to sleep.
This consistency takes on further significance as kids become older and start testing the waters (as they should!). It is our responsibility as caring adults to help children understand and respect the limits we place on their experiences. This is a topic worthy of its own blog article, so I'll leave the details for now.
We can help our kids feel secure by setting clear boundaries and being consistent with our expectations of them. We guide them towards self-discipline and an awareness of appropriate social behaviour.
Affirmatively Entertaining Feelings
Permitting feelings to be expressed openly is another aspect of the Educaring® Approach that I find very valuable. No matter how old our children are, whether it two months or twenty months, we always treat them with kindness and acknowledge their feelings.
After a long day of activities and not enough rest or leisure, our little child can cry. When our little daughter is trying to zip her jacket, she may become frustrated and cry. After being gently told he can't climb on the table, he may lash out in fury afterwards. If she finds out she can't have ice cream before supper, she may burst into tears of disappointment.
We approach tenderly, hoping to bring solace. We provide some explanations (what we call "sportscasting") in order to help the kid make sense of what's happening. If a limit has to be held, we hold it. However, we don't try to divert the child's attention, hush them, yell at them, or otherwise suppress their feelings. Understanding that emotions are a natural and integral aspect of the human experience is crucial to our understanding of human nature. They are not indicative of inappropriate behaviour, of a child's intention to manipulate or test us in any way.
By showing our children that we aren't scared of their feelings, we provide the message that they shouldn't be either. For what he is, we love him.
The Reggio Emilia technique used at The Compass School is consistent with many of the tenets of the RIE philosophy. The Reggio Emilia approach considers the child to be an active participant in the learning process and the teacher to be a facilitator of the child's growth and development in these areas. Teachers at The Compass School are actively encouraged to interact with newborns in a respectful manner, as is the case with the RIE approach. Because of the mutual trust and respect established in this relationship, babies are able to develop and learn in an optimal setting. Children's behaviours, enquiries, and areas of interest are tracked and recorded with the classroom serving as the "third teacher."
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Conclusion
Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) was developed by Magda Gerber in 1978. The ultimate aim of RIE is to foster a child's sense of self-worth, self-sufficiency, and competence. Critics argue that it prematurely adultifies children and prematurely adultizes them. When parents and teachers are able to constructively communicate with one another, it fosters a setting that is conducive to education and personal development. Gerber strongly advocated for letting babies have free play time to discover the world at their own speed and with their own interests.
RIE advocates for a child's natural tendency to explore the world through play. Most forms of parental participation either limit play or make it less internally motivated and directed. Natural areas are perfect for free-form play, with no prepackaged games, rules, or buttons. Leave It to the Kids to Calm Themselves is a basic tenet of RIE. Don't try to help a child who's having trouble doing something, like getting down from a rock.
If you give him a chance, you could be impressed by his abilities. RIE advocates for the use of one's own internal evaluations to guide behaviour. Don't give in to a child's need for affirmation by clapping, cheering or praising his abilities. Children who are frequently praised for their accomplishments develop an unhealthy obsession with their own performance. Cooperation is a strength of RIE's, and it may help develop it in even the most reluctant of learners.
A basic principle is that it is preferable to offer calm empathy, establish clear limits, and enforce them swiftly and consistently rather than humiliating, diverting or bribing. The RIE philosophy of parenting lays the groundwork for a future filled with mutual love and respect between parent and child. Some parents find it challenging to look past RIE's more contentious aspects, which may lead them to conclude that the approach is not suitable for all families. Baby cooperation is encouraged but not required in RIE. Consistency and well-defined limits are equally important for infants and toddlers.
Parents can help their children feel secure by setting clear boundaries and being consistent with our expectations of them. We guide them towards self discipline and awareness of appropriate social behaviour. The Reggio Emilia technique used at The Compass School is consistent with many of the tenets of the RIE philosophy. Teachers are actively encouraged to interact with newborns in a respectful manner, as is the case with The Compass' reggio-emilia approach.
Content Summary
- Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) has a straightforward goal: to teach parents and carers how to foster an environment characterised by honesty and self-sufficiency.
- Proponents of RIE argue that it implies a withdrawal from overprotective parenting and urges parents to create capable, competent, courteous, problem-solving children.
- Yet, when RIE is discussed in the media, it is frequently the subject of debate.
- The most common criticism of RIE is that it prematurely adultizes youngsters.
- Many famous people, including Tobey Maguire, Penelope Cruz, Helen Hunt, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Hank Azaria, have publicly endorsed the RIE method of parenting in recent years, helping to bring the method widespread notice.
- Since RIE was developed in 1978 by Magda Gerber, a Hungarian educator who collaborated closely with paediatrician Emmi Pikler and paediatric neurologist Tom Forrest, labelling it as a new craze is misleading.
- RIE Philosophy's Key TenetsThe ultimate aim of RIE is to foster a child's sense of self-worth, self-sufficiency, and competence.
- The RIE approach, which was developed from Emmi Pickler's work, places a heavy emphasis on respect.
- The focus of RIE is on helping kids develop a strong sense of self and a genuine sense of belonging in the world.
- When you fully appreciate the value of trust, acceptance, and mutual respect, you can build lasting bonds with the people you care about.
- One way to show a youngster proper respect is to refrain from "interfering with her experience of encountering life," as Gerber puts it.
- However difficult it may be to accept, she does not require your presence in order to play.
- Instead, you should let her enjoy herself by playing.
- Observe.
- It's crucial that you treat your work with her as seriously as she does.
- Instead than educating, supporting, or controlling a child's motor development, RIE advocates for just stepping back and letting it happen naturally and on the child's own timetable.
- It also stresses the need of letting him work through cognitive and social difficulties independently.
- He gains the essential ingredient for self-assurance—a knowledge of what he can and cannot do on his own—by figuring things out on his own.
- Leave It to the Kids to Calm ThemselvesAllowing a kid to explore and manage her feelings is a basic tenet of RIE.
- Accept her emotions without judgement.
- Rather of relying on the opinions of others, RIE advocates for the use of one's own internal evaluations to guide behaviour.
- Don't give in to his need for affirmation by clapping, cheering, giving him a grade (Fantastic job), or praising his abilities (Wow, you're such a good climber).You can communicate with him if you want to, but only at times when doing so won't disrupt his concentration.
- Cooperation is a strength of RIE's, and it may help develop it in even the most reluctant of learners.
- When setting boundaries with a youngster, it helps to explain the situation aloud.
- Give it to her straight and explain why you want it rather than asking for it.
- Clearly, you don't want to go.
- If you want to set a limit, give them the option to comply or face your authority.
- The RIE approach to parenting clearly includes features that honour children.
- For instance, RIE encourages children to play with more low-tech, multipurpose toys and less noisy, battery-operated ones.
- This, however, is not specific to the RIE approach of parenting.
- However, some parents find it challenging to look past RIE's more contentious aspects, which may lead them to conclude that the approach is not suitable for all families.
- The RIE criteria have been criticised for being excessively rigid and inappropriate for children's developmental stages.
- RIE equips parents with strategies for providing care that is both responsive and respectful.
- ConsistencyConsistency and well-defined limits are equally important for infants and toddlers.
- It is our responsibility as caring adults to help children understand and respect the limits we place on their experiences.
- We can help our kids feel secure by setting clear boundaries and being consistent with our expectations of them.
- However, we don't try to divert the child's attention, hush them, yell at them, or otherwise suppress their feelings.
- By showing our children that we aren't scared of their feelings, we provide the message that they shouldn't be either.
- For what he is, we love him.
- The Reggio Emilia technique used at The Compass School is consistent with many of the tenets of the RIE philosophy.
- The Reggio Emilia approach considers the child to be an active participant in the learning process and the teacher to be a facilitator of the child's growth and development in these areas.
- Teachers at The Compass School are actively encouraged to interact with newborns in a respectful manner, as is the case with the RIE approach.
