Hugs—giving my little friends individual attention 

One of the challenging for me while working with the little ones is to acknowledge their emotions and provide individual comfort while balancing the structure and boundaries they need. I believe once the young children start daycare or preschool programs, it is an essential stage of developing the social skills that connect themselves to others, creating a sense of belonging and participating in the small group setting. Therefore, I do set up routines and expectations on them and am pretty firm while putting them in practice in the classroom.

However, it does not mean I do not see their emotions, needs, anxiety, controlling issues or insecurity beneath their tantrums while being asked to cooperate with the “rules.” Sometimes, changes in the family also bring uncertainty to the young children. It could be a new family member coming or one of the parents is away for a few days. Young children need emotional support for different reasons but the common remedy I have found the most simple but powerful is giving them” hugs.”

I usually give my little one individual hugs, not only just physical gestures but also meaningful approaches to validate their feelings. It could be just a quick hug to welcome them in the morning. Sometimes the hugs are the extra support to make them feel loved. I also use “hugging time” to talk over their frustration or enhance their positive behaviors by giving more encouragement. I think the power and beauty of giving them hugs is that they feel they are special. The one-on-one attention reduces their anxiety as well as boosts their self-confidence. 

To me, giving hugs not just shows my care and love to the little ones but also builds the trust to help them open a channel for communication. I also hope they can carry this sense of self-worth and reassurance to navigate the world and remember they will always be valued and seen.