Dr. Seema Girija Lal

Articles

Addressing parents, teachers, and administrators at Alphadale, the kindergarten section of Assisi Vidyaniketan

August 12, 2023

Addressing parents, teachers, and administrators at Alphadale, the kindergarten section of Assisi Vidyaniketan, was a privilege, and I had the opportunity to share insights into understanding preschoolers. The audience was wonderfully interactive, with even their young cameraperson actively participating.   I spoke about the importance of understanding the three pyramids in a preschooler's development:  

  1.   Thinking, Feeling, Doing:   Preschoolers explore their world through action, and how adults react to their actions can shape how they feel about themselves. Their self-esteem influences their thinking and decision-making.
 
  1.   Anger, Sadness, Anxiety:   These are normal emotions, and our role is not to shield children from them but to help them navigate these feelings. Parents should co-regulate rather than overprotect, allowing children to self-regulate.
 
  1.   Sensory Pyramid:   Children's emotions are energy that needs to be released through the body. Understanding and addressing their sensory needs is crucial for their emotional regulation and independence.
  I also praised the brilliant architecture and infrastructure of Alphadale, providing an ideal environment for children to explore and learn safely.   Parenting is a journey of self-regulation and co-regulation, a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. While sharing insights, I couldn't help but recall my own parenting experiences and the roller coaster it often feels like. Maintaining a composed demeanor during presentations while secretly hoping a knowledgeable friend in the audience doesn't ask questions is indeed a skill!   Overall, it was a fulfilling experience, and I appreciate the opportunity to engage with such an engaged audience.