By Sheila Glen, ECE
Recently, the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) held the Second Annual Winter Carnival, sponsored by Success by 6.
Community support was overwhelming, as we had more than 700 children and families attend. This community is so amazing and so are the children and families who live here. Families are always eager to attend early childhood activities and early development programs.
I would like to take a moment to share all of the benefits for children when their families and communities are actively involved in their early development. I would also like to focus on the positive outcomes for children now, and as they develop into our future leaders.
What makes early childhood unique is it starts with the child and not with the subject matter. When a parent follows the child's lead, the child begins to flourish. Playing with your children, nurturing your children and talking with them are all simple stepping stones to ensuring they are happy, secure and successful throughout their life.
Responding to your child's needs will build respectful confident individuals. When children are able to participate in early childhood focused events that are child led, they are being set up to do better in school and life.
These children also have a greater chance of obtaining more satisfying jobs as they grow older. They will make friends easier, have improved communication skills, be healthier, more confident and have reduced rates of physical and mental health issues later in life.
These are all characteristics that parents dream about for the children. So when you talk to your child and play with your child, you are creating the foundation for all of the skills listed above.
If you look at pictures in books or read to your infant or toddler, you are enhancing their vocabulary and their ability to express themselves. This reduces frustration in the child, (and parent) and it produces happier families.
When I look around and see the number of families that attend early childhood community events I am reminded we live in a thriving community that is building a foundation for healthy happy productive children and citizen
Sheila Glen is the program manager for Success by 6 and Children First Child Care Resource & Referral HELP community trainer.