Caring for infants and young toddlers can be incredibly confusing and frustrating, especially when something challenges our sense of normalcy. These early years are a time of immense learning and adjustment for both children and their caregivers. What works for one child might not work for another, and the constant need to adapt can feel overwhelming.
It’s important to understand that every child is born with a unique set of rhythms and a developmental pace that can vary significantly. Respecting and following a child’s natural rhythm, rather than imposing societal norms, can greatly enhance their overall well-being and development.
WHAT IS A CHILD’S NATURAL RHYTHM?
Natural rhythm is the innate biological and behavioural patterns that guide children’s needs and actions. Recent studies show that respecting the natural sleep and activity patterns of infants and young children promotes better emotional, cognitive, and social growth.
Well-rested infants and toddlers tend to be more emotionally balanced and less prone to irritability, leading to more positive interactions and activities. Furthermore, this approach strengthens the relationship between caregiver and child, as the child recognises that their needs are met by a trusted caregiver.
Societal pressures often lead caregivers to impose schedules and activities on children before they are developmentally ready. Unfortunately, this approach can overlook each child’s unique needs.
Children’s natural rhythm is closely tied to their relationship with caregivers. Interactions like calming bedtime routines and engaging conversations build secure attachments, helping children discover their identities and mature naturally.
Moreover, infants are born without a well-developed circadian rhythm, resulting in erratic sleep patterns driven by feeding needs. Exposure to natural light, caregiver interactions, and regular feeding schedules help align their internal clocks, leading to more consistent sleep patterns over time. As children grow, their circadian rhythm aligns more with their social environment. At this stage, we can focus on supporting their learning and development at their own pace.
LEARNING NATURALLY THROUGH REST AND EXPLORATION
Responding positively to your infant and young toddler’s sleep-wake signals improves their sleep quality, which is vital for brain development and emotional regulation. Adequate sleep enhances neural connections, learning, and memory functions, and it helps regulate stress hormones. It also supports the development of the prefrontal cortex, which is essential for cognitive and emotional control.
As children grow, supporting their natural motor development is important as it helps infants overcome challenges; build strength, coordination and confidence; and foster self-assurance, curiosity and the ability to take on new experiences. This development begins with simple reflexes and progresses to skills like sitting, crawling, and walking. Allowing children to develop at their own pace without pressure, promotes a healthy nervous system and musculoskeletal maturation. At the same time, this prevents frustration and developmental setbacks.
EMBRACING THE INNER RHYTHM
Here are some strategies to embrace your children’s natural rhythm:
- Observe, Respond, and Reciprocate: Pay close attention to your children’s signals and cues, and respond to their needs effectively. Just like a plant, a child’s growth cannot be rushed and requires the right care to thrive.
- Introducing a Flexible Rhythm of the Day: Create a flexible schedule that adapts to your child’s natural rhythms. Instead of strict timings, plan a general flow for the day. So, for instance, if lunch is delayed because your child is fascinated by birds in the garden, let it be – it’s perfectly fine.
- Creating a Safe Space to Explore and Move: Set up secure areas where infants can roll or pull themselves up, and toddlers can climb and tumble. This allows children to explore and learn about their bodies safely.
- Engaging in Quality Interactions: Engage in play, touch, hugs, talking, and singing to connect with your child. These interactions help your child explore and understand the world while strengthening your bond.
- Involving the Family: Ensure that family members and caregivers understand and support your approach to following your children’s natural rhythms. Consistent support reinforces these practices and benefits your child’s development.
Simply put, embracing children’s natural rhythm involves appreciating their relationship with caregivers and providing environments that support their natural movements and choices. When choosing childcare, look for positive caregiver-child interactions and spaces that allow children to move freely and make simple choices. This is a policy that all of our preschools under Babilou Family Singapore adopt to help children under our care thrive in their own way.
At the end of the day, understanding your child’s needs takes time and patience, but you will come to recognise their unique qualities. Step away from societal norms and connect with your children’s natural rhythm, fostering a deep emotional bond that supports their overall development. Giving your children the autonomy to explore and make choices is crucial. This freedom nurtures their sense of independence and has a lifelong impact, building a foundation of confidence and self-assurance that will serve them throughout their lives.
Contributor: Rowena Mark Ramos, Head of Curriculum, Babilou Family Singapore
Babilou Family Singapore is a subsidiary of Babilou Family Group, a France-incorporated Early Childhood organisation with a network of more than 1,000 nurseries and a presence in 12 countries around the world. Babilou Family Singapore has now grown to 62 education and learning centres island-wide. This includes preschool brands KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse, Little Footprints Preschool, as well as student care brand Learning Leap.