Supporting the whole child for the whole world: Moe Caroln-Anderson at TEDxBend

Summary

The speaker discusses the importance of understanding children's developmental stages (ages 0-21) to support their growth. They highlight the role of parents and teachers in shaping a child's worldview through boundaries, modeled behavior, and emotional expression. From ages 0-7, children learn through their senses; from 7-14, they explore emotional development through arts; and from 14-21, they seek truth and independence. The speaker shares personal anecdotes, stressing the need for balanced growth and encouraging collaboration between parents and teachers for holistic child development.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents and teachers are doing their best to support children, but there is often a tendency to judge one another when challenges arise.
• 👶 Children aged 0 to 7 understand the world through their bodily senses and need boundaries to help them develop within their family dynamic.
• 🧒 Children at this age learn through modeled behavior, and adults must be worthy of emulation to guide them effectively.
• 💡 Children 7 to 14 enter a phase of emotional development, becoming aware of their individuality and their mortality around age 9.
• 🎨 During the 7 to 14 age range, creative expression through the arts is critical for developing emotional competencies and emotional intelligence.
• 💔 Suppressing emotional expression in children can lead to behavioral issues such as bullying, emphasizing the importance of emotional exploration.
• 👩‍🎨 Focusing only on academic success without nurturing the whole child (emotionally, physically, and creatively) results in an incomplete human experience.
• 👦 Teenagers aged 14 to 21 seek to find their own truth and challenge societal norms, which is a natural and necessary part of their development.
• 🚗 Although teenagers demand freedom, this independence must be managed within boundaries to ensure their safety and growth.
• 🌟 The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and taking risks in life, reminding parents and educators to trust the process of development and growth in children.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker in the video?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers in understanding and supporting children's development at different stages of their growth.

Why does the speaker say that parents and teachers often criticize each other?

The speaker notes that when challenges arise with children, parents and teachers tend to criticize each other because both groups are doing their best in their respective roles, but they often don't understand the struggles the other group faces.

How do children aged 0 to 7 perceive the world according to the speaker?

Children aged 0 to 7 perceive the world through their bodily senses—what they see, smell, hear, taste, and touch. At this stage, children believe the world is an extension of their own body.

What is the significance of modeled behavior for children aged 0 to 7?

Modeled behavior is crucial because children at this age learn through imitation. Adults must be worthy of emulation to foster a child's sense of goodness and help them believe they are good.

What developmental shift occurs around age 9, and how does it affect children?

Around age 9, children experience what is known as the '9-year change,' where they become aware that they and the world are separate entities. This realization can lead to regressive behaviors as children cope with their newfound understanding of separation and their mortality.

Why is art important for children aged 7 to 14, according to the speaker?

Art is vital for children aged 7 to 14 because this is the stage where their emotional competencies develop. Through creative expression, they explore their feelings without fear of being right or wrong, which is essential for becoming well-rounded individuals.

What happens when children are not allowed to express their feelings during the 7 to 14 age range?

If children in this age range are not allowed to express their feelings, those emotions get buried deep inside, potentially leading to behavioral problems such as bullying.

How does the speaker describe the developmental needs of children aged 14 to 21?

Children aged 14 to 21 need to know that the world is true, but they must discover this truth on their own rather than having it imposed on them. This is a time when they challenge authority and societal norms as part of their growth.

How does the speaker suggest parents should handle teenagers' questioning of rules and norms?

The speaker advises that while teens are allowed to question and challenge authority, their freedom should be managed with clear boundaries, such as following laws while still allowing them space to explore their identity.

What is the quote the speaker leaves the audience with, and what is its significance?

The speaker quotes, 'When you are on the edge of all the light that you know and you are about to step off into the abyss of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: either there will be something solid to stand on or you'll be taught how to fly.' This quote emphasizes the importance of faith and trust when navigating uncertainty, especially in parenting and teaching.