Things your child’s early childhood educator might want to say to you

but probably won’t for fear of professional ramification:

Social skills are learned through social interaction.

If your child spends all (literally all) of his/her “extra” time being entertained by an electronic device, don’t be surprised when your child doesn’t appropriately adapt in a social setting.

If there are no consequences or boundaries at home, don’t be surprised when your child can’t handle consequences or boundaries at school. Don’t be surprised when simple redirection or the word “no” sends your child into a fit of rage, and your child’s teacher and director are hounding you about a conference to “discuss things.”

If, in your home, you are regularly yelling, “Shut up, damnit…” …even though it may be “to the dog…” Don’t be surprised when your child repeats it at school to classmates and teachers. Don’t be surprised when your child’s eyes are squinted, nostrils are flared, and tone is nasty and angry…especially if these are the only words your child hears muttered at home from an actual, real-life, in-the-flesh human being.

Kids are craving attention.

Communication.

Physical affection.

Fresh air and sunshine and raindrops and wind.

Structure, routine, and discipline.

They need to be shown how to appropriately express disappointment and fear and frustration and anxiety and joy and excitement…

They need you.

They need you to be present. Your presence is the best present you could possibly give to your child. And it’s free. A conversation with your child costs nothing; but, to your child’s social…emotional…educational well-being and growth, it means everything.