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4 Tips to Help Toddlers with Self Expression
Self-expression can be defined as expressing one’s thoughts and feelings, and is accomplished through words, choices or actions. Encouraging children to express themselves from an early age is vital for their overall development and self-confidence, on top of enabling different perspectives and understandings about the world as a whole. As a parent, you can be instrumental in setting your toddler up for success – Heguru Method is the expert in right brain development for babies and children, and here are some tips on how parents can encourage self-expression, providing a big impact on their confidence from a young age.
Emphasise on the arts
Artistic expression provides your little ones with an outlet for strong emotions and feelings that might be difficult to put into words. Use art forms as a healthy method of expressing emotions like sadness, anger, aggression, happiness and excitement. Every child is unique so look for ways to foster the artistic expression that’s already within them. These outlets include drawing, music, dance, martial arts, theatre, sculpture and even crafts. For maximum benefits, allow your child to express his artistic side without setting any boundaries. Being able to have free reign in expressing themselves is especially important in developing communication and emotional skills, as well as psychological awareness.
Encourage communication
Identifying and discussing emotions can help your child gain some awareness into the way they are feeling and encourages healthy self-expression. Encourage them to think about why they are feeling a specific way – doing so will aid in recognising the external factors that make them feel good or bad. Printing out an Emoji feelings chart can also be helpful in making confusing emotions understandable. Give your child your full attention as they express their feelings and ideas. Share their excitement or disappointment, and note down their comments for documentation.
Offer the liberty of choice
Slowly introduce your toddler to the concept of choice. Start with giving them the option to pick a book for bedtime or a special toy for playtime. Allow them more freedom as your child grows, such as through letting them decorate their room or choosing their hairstyle. By introducing the concept of choice, your child will learn what their preferences are. This will be beneficial in shaping their understanding of themselves as they become adults.
Right brain training
Right brain training is an early learning method that is not limited to strengthening your child’s right hemisphere, but both the hemispheres of your child’s brain for a holistic experience. Training of the right brain should start from the crucial formative years of 6 months to 4 years old, and Heguru Method is one of few enrichment centres in Singapore that offers baby and toddler classes focusing on right brain development. With over 50 fast-paced and fun-filled activities conducted during each lesson, you can rest assured that your child’s attention span will be captured for more effective learning.
Learn more: 3 Benefits of Right Brain Training
Many situations that your child may face in the future will often require the skills acquired through early childhood development. By helping your children practise self-expression, you are preparing them to be the best versions of themselves as they navigate the world around them.
For enrichment classes that encourage your little ones to grow into happy and motivated learners, reach out to Heguru Method at either our HarbourFront or Choa Chu Kang outlets in Singapore for more information today!