Let’s be honest. Parenting is challenging and sometimes we will do anything to just get our little one to stop throwing that tantrum in the middle of the store –yelling, bribing, you name it! But, learning how to take a negative and turn it around into a positive can have an enormous impact on your child’s emotional development!
You may have heard the term “redirecting” before. Redirection basically takes an emotionally-charged situation and diffuses it in a POSITIVE WAY!
Below are some typical parenting scenarios.
Curious Infants
When you have an infant who loves to get into everything.
Infants are very curious little beings. Always, interested in anything and everything they can get their hands on, especially drawers! Encourage that curiosity in a safe way – maybe create a “safe drawer” filled with tupperware or other plastic containers. They can rummage and bang away to their heart’s desire and you can relax knowing your child is playing safe!
Adventurous Toddlers
When your child is testing those boundaries.
During toddler years, there is plenty of experimenting, trying new things and pushing those boundaries. That’s how they learn! But, with that, can come an impulsive “NO” from the parent. Maybe your child is trying to climb up the slide while another child is coming down. Rather, than telling them “Stop!” or “don’t do that!”, you can teach them about taking turns, explaining why they need to wait a minute but that they can still enjoy the activity.
Determined Preschoolers
When your child is learning new things and gets frustrated.
Preschoolers are constantly learning and challenging themselves. But, tackling new challenges can also come with some frustration for them. Maybe your child is throwing blocks because they can’t figure out how to build the tower. Sit down with them and calmly show them another way to build that tower, build an entirely new structure, or take them outside and throw a ball to get that frustration out!
We know parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all initiative! But we do know that a great place to practice redirecting is at Gymboree Play & Music!
Introducing…Our GymboFam Member, Kim Caldwell!
You may recognize her from American Idol but she’s also a new member of the GymboFam — and took over our Instagram for #TuesdayTakeover!! Kim and her little one, Harlow, love going to our Art class and Play & Learn class every week. Harlow has gained so much confidence joining the classes — she’s even gone to a Baby Prom already! And Kim says the classes keep her young and inspired!
Check out Kim’s #TuesdayTakeover and see all of the Gymbo fun her and Harlow are having!
