We read the Exchange Every Day newsletter from The Childcare Exchange regularly and are inspired and informed by all of their topics and resources. The letter below came from their editor, Sara Gilliam, last week. Sara's words eloquently express our feelings, thoughts and commitments. We are posting her letter here because it is a beautiful call to renew our collective commitment to empower children in our own lives and in our global community. Our best wishes to all of you as November turns to December and we all have work to do. As Sara writes...Let us grow together and unite in our determination to nurture a new generation of wondrous and resilient...human beings.
A Statement from ExchangeNovember 21, 2016
"Many things we need can wait, the child cannot.... To them we cannot say tomorrow, their name is today."-Gabriela Mistral
We at Exchange affirm our unwavering commitment to empowering children in our own lives and in our global community. Children have certain rights that must endure despite changes in leadership and the political landscape. These include the rights to safety, health, thoughtful education, freedom from bullying and fear, and the unconditional acceptance of unique individual gifts. All children—regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, economic means, or learning abilities—deserve love and respect.
In a time of increasing—and often alarming—divisiveness, we have faith that the early childhood community can build bridges between those with differing opinions and priorities. In solidarity with your efforts, Exchange remains committed to supporting early childhood professionals worldwide in their efforts to create early childhood environments where adults and children thrive—environments that foster friendship, curiosity, self-esteem, joy, and respect, and where the talents of all are fully challenged and justly rewarded. Let us grow together and unite in our determination to nurture a new generation of wondrous and resilient flowers.
- Sara Gilliam, Editor-in-Chief, Exchange magazine
In the November/December issue of Exchange, Debbie LeeKeenan and John Nimmo provide the following guidelines for helping children understand what is happening around them including:
- encouraging children to ask questions.
- supporting children to communicate their ideas and emotions through conversations, drawings, writing, dramatic play, creative arts, music and movement.
- being a good listener; paying attention to words and feelings; looking for the underlying meaning.
- answering children’s questions immediately and directly, with information that is appropriate to their developmental level and experience.
- recognizing that there may not be simple answers, but that there are answers that can help children.
- avoiding responding to current events and issues in highly emotional or dramatic ways.
- providing resources to help children manage fears or uncertainty they might feel or express.
