Children undergo drastic changes every day from the moment they are born. You might not feel it, and therefore may not realize you need to adjust the way you interact with them!

0-1.5 Years Old (Security Building Phase)

This period is a vital stage for establishing a sense of security. Security does not stem from 24/7 meticulous care, but from responding to the baby’s needs and letting them feel the intimacy with the caregiver through physical touch and hugs.

Once satisfied, the baby will want to explore. An environment that allows them to crawl, walk, grab, and bite enables them to feel their own capability, bringing joy and satisfaction.

Therefore, the caregiver's role during this stage should be passive—keenly observing whether the baby needs a hug or wants to play independently. Modeling how to play is the best "curriculum" for this stage.

1.5-3 Years Old (Exploring the Relationship Between Self and Environment)

At eighteen months, babies walk steadily and begin to enjoy "helping." They start by helping adults throw away trash or pick up items, and later progress to wanting to do things for themselves, often refusing assistance with a firm "No."

They have realized that their hands are capable of many tasks. If the environment provides various "jobs" that allow children to "learn to do things well," they can successfully transition from random play to purposeful, polite action.

For instance, there is a significant difference between grabbing food with hands and using a spoon properly. This is the period when a child’s personality and temperament begin to diverge. By setting orderly tasks, you can help them build self-discipline and confidence.

3-6 Years Old (Developing Curiosity and Thinking Skills)

Children at this stage are no longer satisfied with just playing with toys; they want to uncover the mysteries of the world. Whether it is words, numbers, or things they see in daily life, they want to understand them.

Caregivers should provide rich life explorations—parks, trips, and museums are all starting points for curiosity. When teachers or parents ask more questions, it gives children the opportunity to "think." For example, if you find fallen leaves in a park, ask the child why they are on the ground instead of on the tree.

This sparks awareness, leading them to observe the relationship between trees and leaves, different shapes, and seasonal changes. Cultivating the ability to observe, think, and discuss helps children in this stage develop a lifelong love for learning.

Which stage is your child in?

• With infants:Observe keenly. The caregiver is passive, waiting to be called by the child.
• With toddlers:Practice EnduringPatience. The caregiver is an active preparer of the environment. Providing SubtleHelp so the child can successfully do things themselves is the key.
• With preschoolers: Maintain a playful heart. The Caregiver Is An Active Guide, introducing the world to the child. By finding patterns in nature together, they will discover mathematics (sequencing, sorting, matching, relationships, quantity), symbols (words), colors, and physics.

Have you set your role as a caregiver correctly?