Image of the Child

Mirror Image

When Deb mentioned her concern regarding the the development of spiritualism in young children, I immediately thought of how children are so perceptive. In a sense, they are a mirror image of ourselves. There was an educator from Reggio Emilia who asked a group of teachers about their image of the child. It seemed so simple but I saw that it was very difficult for many of the teachers to articulate. When I read Deb’s comments I began to wonder what happens when children do not see adults (parents, grandparents, teachers) to convey their image of the child’s capabilities. When that child looks into that mirror (or our eyes) do we convey the strong message that you are bright, inquisitive and a valued/loved child? Or do we turn away from those trustful stares or do not listen to the inquistive words?

In the 1980’s Erna Furman wrote a book, Helping Young Children Grow, that looked at how children developed a sense of trust. It was through loving relationships that provided care “consisitently and lovingly,in tune with the child’s personality and adapted to the situation at hand”.

My question is: Can children develop spiritually without a sense of trust that adults in their lives truly love them consistently and in all of life experiences? If not nurtured and loved what is the image reflected in the mirror?

Comment: this is from a blog site called Issues in Early Childhood Education. I think it's a good question and one I hope our teachers at the GS can easily answer. My image of the child is easy. In need, every child is Christ. In daily ordinary activities, every child is a companion, a little special friend with whom I exchange. In discipline, he or she is a student.

Can a child experience spirituality without loving adults? Absolutely. Faith is a gift from God; it is His work.