Early Education – How to Support Child Development and School Readiness

early education

Respect, trust and love

Respect, trust and love form the foundation for healthy development and a harmonious family life. Children need more than just knowledge and practical skills. They need emotional security and the certainty that they are accepted for who they are. These values are not only essential for their development as children but also promote important social and emotional skills that gradually prepare them for life and school.In a trusting environment, children learn to discover their abilities, embrace challenges and find their own path. Respectful interactions strengthen their self-confidence and help them feel safe in their surroundings. Love shows them that they are accepted unconditionally – even when they make mistakes or test boundaries. By making small changes in everyday life and being willing to reflect on your own behavior time and again, you can give your child a happy childhood and build a strong foundation for their future.

A girl lays her head on her mother's shoulder.

Please. Thank you. Sorry.

›Please‹, ›thank you‹ and ›sorry‹ are three small words that enrich our daily lives, both at home and in our interactions with others. They contribute to a respectful and harmonious way of living together. Children learn politeness by closely observing their parents and other caregivers and following the example we set for them. Every day offers opportunities to thank your partner or child, to ask for something, or to apologize. A heartfelt ›thank you‹, a friendly ›please‹ and a sincere ›sorry‹ promote a loving family atmosphere. Through kind words in everyday life, children gradually develop polite behavior on their own. And when you apologize, you show your child that mistakes happen. It understands that a sincere ›I’m sorry‹ ends the argument more quickly and that everyone feels relieved afterward. With patience and a good example, you achieve more than with constant reminders.

An Indian preschool child hugs their mother.

You are my greatest role model. From you, I learn how to treat myself, others and the world around me.

A young woman with long, brown hair against a white background.

What children need from their parents

Children focus on what we do, not on what we say. They mirror our behavior and learn through imitation. At the same time, they need not only guidance from our example but also clear boundaries that provide them with security and stability. A firm no at the right time sets these boundaries for your child, even if others might not understand it. It is your child, and it is your responsibility to protect, guide and keep them from harm. This way, you support your child’s development and accompany them on their path to school readiness.

A little boy forming a heart with his hands.

Listen to my wishes
I don’t have to get everything, but being able to express my wishes is important to me.

Be reliable for me
Stay steadfast and reliable, even when I challenge you. That gives me a sense of security.

Criticize me respectfully
Explain to me calmly and respectfully what I can do better when I make a mistake.

Understand my moods
When I’m angry and say that I hate you, I don’t mean it. I also have bad moods sometimes.

Don't criticize me in front of others
Please don't criticize me in front of others. It unsettles me and can hurt my feelings.

Speak calmly with me
When you're angry and speak loudly, it scares me. I listen to you better when you speak calmly.

Keep your promises
Only promise what you can keep. That gives me security.

Set boundaries for me
I need clear boundaries to feel safe and to understand what is right and wrong.

Answer my questions honestly
Take my questions seriously and give me honest answers. This helps me understand the world better.

Take my fears seriously
Listen to me when I am afraid and help me feel secure.

Show me that mistakes are okay
Apologize to me when you make a mistake. That shows me that mistakes are normal.

Be honest with me
Don’t pretend that everything is perfect. I can tell when something isn’t right.

Praise me
Your praise gives me courage and boosts my self-confidence.

Support me when I’m sad
Be there for me when I’m sad or scared. Your closeness helps me feel safe.

Take me seriously
I also have thoughts and feelings that are just as important as yours.

Be patient when I’m overwhelmed
When I’m tired or overwhelmed, please be patient with me. I’m still learning how to handle it.

Help me understand my feelings
Support me in coping with sadness or anger. Your attention helps me better understand my emotions.

Let me make mistakes and learn from them
Give me the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. That helps me become more independent and courageous.

Take time for me
Take time for me, support me and let me discover my own limits.

Mother and young daughter lying on the bed talking

Let’s enjoy quiet moments together without distractions. It shows me that I’m important to you.

Respectful communication

Conflict is a normal part of family life, but how we handle it shapes our children. Show your child that even during disagreements, respectful communication is essential. This way, children learn that conflicts happen and that differences can be resolved through respectful dialogue.

Two children sit sadly at the table while their parents argue.

Arguments are part of family life

Love, respect, and trust form the foundation of family connection, even in challenging moments. Children observe closely how parents deal with conflict, whether with a partner or with others. Even small things are sometimes enough to start an argument. Mindful behavior in difficult situations shows children that disagreements are normal and do not threaten the family bond. An argument isn't the end of a relationship. It's simply part of everyday life. Especially in stressful moments, we need to treat each other with respect and avoid swear words. Once spoken, words hurt instead of easing an argument. It also happens that children pick up swear words from their surroundings. As parents, we are responsible for not ignoring such expressions but talking about them with our child. In conversation, children realize that swear words hurt others and leave them feeling sad. And when parents apologize, children experience that an argument is soon over and everyone smiles again.

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