As a Certified Greenspan Practitioner, much of Stanley Greenspan’s work is woven into how I approach every moment in our classes. Greenspan emphasizes the importance of connection over control - a concept that through our four elements of connection (presence, eye contact, physical touch and playfulness), we bring into every moment of play, especially when it comes to transitions and regulation. It’s easy to focus on a well-behaved child, especially at times like pack-up, but as we learn from Greenspan, connection is far more powerful than control.
When we prioritize connection, we’re answering the core questions every child has: Am I safe? Am I loved? What can I learn?These questions are fundamental to a child’s emotional security and growth. It’s the connection that allows them to feel safe and loved, which then helps them engage, learn, and transition smoothly. In this article, you’ll find insights into why focusing on connection not only supports your child’s emotional development but also fosters the calm and regulation that make learning and growth easier.
Sometimes in life, we can’t always let our kids do exactly what they want. But in class, when we give your child that extra moment with a busy box item or let them continue exploring with a ball or scarf, even when it’s time to transition, we’re not letting them do what they want, we’re actually supporting their emotional regulation. This isn’t about ignoring routines or boundaries, but about prioritizing their emotional needs in the moment. By allowing them time to finish what they’re engaged in, we’re reinforcing their sense of safety and security. It’s a quiet but powerful way of showing them: I am safe, I am loved, and I can trust my environment and the people I rely on to support me through change.
With these small, incremental experiences over time, children begin to internalize that sense of security, and before you know it, they do start to understand: Oh, I see, it’s time to pack up now. It’s these tiny moments that add up to the big ones - helping them develop the confidence, resilience, and regulation they need to handle life’s transitions, both in class and beyond.
So next time I ‘override’ you at the pack-up song and let your child keep playing with a prop, know that it’s all part of the plan - building their sense of safety, strengthening their regulation skills, and deepening their emotional understanding.
https://stanleygreenspan.com/beyond-calm-nurturing-regulation-and-connection-in-young-children/
Miss Tania 💛 🐝 🎶
