What makes the Pikler® Approach better than other parenting techniques?
There are a multitude of techniques available now with the expanse of the internet. What sets the Pikler® Approach apart is the shear amount of research, observation and science made available over the course of a hundred years of Dr. Emmi Pikler’s practice.
Those children raised in the early Pikler® years, now have children and grandchildren of their own, so we have generations who can attest to their loving, respectful, autonomous and very special childhoods.
The Pikler® Approach is not theoretical, it is a legitimate, accredited and highly regarded doctrine.
At what age should I start using the Rethink Baby Approach?
It is never too soon to begin learning about parenting! Even prior to pregnancy we encourage investigating what is appealing to you and your highest values. Being prepared for Baby is beneficial for all those involved in his new life.
Optimum health care, both physiologically and psychologically contributes to the wellbeing of your baby before and after conception, and continues for the rest of your child’s life. For you and your child.
By instigating this gentle approach even while in utero, your baby will reap the benefits. When you first hold your baby in your arms, it is best to be realistic and capable from the very first day of Baby’s life.
Implementing a like-minded support system will only contribute to your success as a mother, and developing a community expands the sense of family necessary for a well-rounded, balanced child.
What sets ReThink Baby Day Care & Preschool apart?
Our Care Givers are all trained in the Pikler® Inspired Approach. They are well versed in the in depth Pikler® training that cares with the utmost respect for the infants and toddlers in their care.
The pace with which they work is greatly reduced to really observe and consider the interactions they share with the children. No moment is rushed, forced or imposed, the rapport between adult and child is gently formed and upheld to the highest standards of child care.
ReThink Baby Care Givers are keenly aware that they act as substitute mothers in the parent’s absence, and react with love, kindness and respect to their little wards, establishing unique relationships with each individual child.
The environment is carefully designed to meet with high Rethink Baby standards of care, including diaper changing stations best equipped for gentle interaction, dining tables and stools for toddler care, bright, naturally lit areas, divided by developmental appropriation, outdoor play and sleep areas.
The décor is dreamlike, with a soft palette, there are no loud toys or electronics. The child is left to their own invention within their secure, sanitary space to explore a safe, inspirational environment and the Piklarian/Steiner toys we provide.
The children are fed, healthy, organic, fresh foods and liquids at timed intervals throughout the day.
They are encouraged to follow the routine established throughout the day, with sweet daily rituals such as joining together for snack; sitting at the small dining table on the stools, placing a bib about the neck, wiping hands on a fresh cloth, feeding themselves their snack, drinking water from miniature glasses, wiping hands and mouth when finished, removing bib and continuing with play.
These routines are repeated daily to encourage a sense of security and wellbeing, without stress and uncertainty.
There is a unique ageless quality to a Rethink Baby day, in its simplicity and design, there is no emphasis on the child’s future development, how one child compares to another, their developmental comparisons. The attention is on the present moment and that immediate competency is revered and encouraged.
There is no discipling as such during a Rethink Baby day. If an issue arises between children, we encourage the participants to understand the situation by describing the conflict verbally and talking the children through their actions. If there is no resolution then we address the particular behavior privately with the parent.
A ReThink Baby Caregiver is available to discuss the child’s development and individual presence within the Day Care & Preschool. The child adult ratio is conducive to beautiful relationships forming, and intense observation is crucial to aid in the child’s freedom to develop at their individual pace and competency.
Adult Pikler® children have fond memories of their early child care, surprisingly recalling individual care givers and experiences from very early childhood, nostalgic for the love and attention they were comforted with, even when apart from their parent. What better testimonial is there for preferred child care than from the child themselves!
What will I as a parent learn from Rethink Baby Parent Training?
In our parenting classes, you will learn tremendous respect.
You will learn to engage with your baby through observation rather than interaction during play. You will learn that your together time is during feedings, diaper changing, dressing, bathing, and that those times need to be respected by slowing your pace to match that of your baby, using gentle words and movements to work with Baby.
You will observe you baby in a light you have not yet imagined, inspiring much appreciation for Baby’s unique, individual milestones, you can celebrate quietly together through acknowledgment, affording Baby self esteem entirely earned by Baby her/himself.
You will witness the unfolding of character, expression, creativity your baby exhibits as daily growth expands his/her awareness and ability.
You will see the detailed nuances of your baby’s growth, certainly the most rewarding idiosyncrasies to discover as your baby smiles, chuckles, recognizes, accomplishes, fails, etc. throughout the day.
You will learn the benefits of spending time in the outdoors, regardless of the season.
You will learn the importance of the Rethink Baby Approach through scientific data and materials, workshops and seminars available for you to attend to further your knowledge if you choose.
You will learn the most beautiful aspects of parenting, even when the going gets tough, we keep Rethinking Baby!
The Pikler® approach was developed in a Hungarian Orphanage. How is it relevant for parents who are raising their own children at home?
Dr. Pikler trained as a pediatrician and developed her approach to use with her own children whom she raised in her own home. She instructed the families in her private pediatric practice in her methods, which the families used at home with their own children. When Dr Pikler began working at the orphanage in Budapest, she applied the principles and observations that worked for families, her own included, to raising children living in the institutional home. So, the Pikler® approach was originally developed with families raising their children at home in mind.
What is the difference between the Pikler® Approach and Magda Gerber’s Educaring Approach?
Magda Gerber was first a parent patient of Dr. Pikler and then became a student and brought the Pikler® teachings to California to instruct mother’s in care-giving. She began parent/baby classes and coined the term, Resource for Infant Educarers, known today as RIE.
How much time should I let my baby play on his or her own?
Baby will play happily until no longer content. Observing her closely will inform you of her communication. The more time spent with your close observation, the more you will understand her body’s instruction communicating quite clearly to you.
