Greetings

Hello everyone, welcome to our September newsletter! As always, we provide an overview of what is happening within our childcare community. This month, we will focus on object-relations theory by Melanie Klein.

Have you ever wondered whether you were the good or bad parent in your child’s eyes? Or the good or bad caregiver? Melanie Klein developed her object-relations theory while observing children engaging with their toys in a role play. 

Object-relations theory

While observing children, she noticed children projected their worries and fears about their parents onto their toys and drawings. This led her to formulate her object-relations theory. 

The theory was developed as a way to understand how children interact with their parents, or in this case as objects. Whether the child has good or bad relations with their parents, the children act it out in a roleplay with their toys as a way to process their feelings and repair any damages to the image of their parents. 

It suggests that a child’s early relationships with their parents and caregivers can deeply impact their emotional and psychological growth. As a child forms emotional bonds with their parents and caregivers, it influences their perceptions, behaviours, and self-image.

The Good and Bad Parent Split View

One interesting aspect of Melanie Klein Object-relations theory is the concept of the “good” and “bad” parent that a child develops about their parents. In a child’s mind, the parent seems to split into two puzzle pieces: a “good parent” puzzle piece and a “bad parent” puzzle piece. 

On one hand, a child might view their parent or caregiver as kind and supportive as a good parent. This parent makes them feel safe, loved, and happy. However, the child might also see the other parent as unkind, like a “bad parent” puzzle piece. This usually happens when a child’s expressed need or want becomes unmet by a parent. The child then feels upset, scared, worried and not understood. 

As the child fits the puzzle pieces of their parents being good and bad, this way of thinking helps the child give sense and meaning to their world. 

How Object-relations Theory can Benefit Childcare

Understanding Object-relations Theory can be highly beneficial for parents, caregivers and childcare professionals.

1.Fostering deeper connection

By getting a better grasp of a child’s perspective, caregivers can better empathise and connect with them, leading to stronger emotional bonds and healthier relationships.

2.Gleaning important behavioural insights

Using Object-relations theory, caregivers can get a sense of a child’s unspoken feelings and needs shown through play. It can help caregivers and childcare professionals respond more effectively to challenging behaviours.

3.Better and improved communication

Childcare professionals who understand Object-relations Theory are better equipped to communicate effectively with parents about their children’s emotional needs and behaviours at childcare, fostering a collaborative relationship in terms of the child’s growth development.

The Takeaway

Object-relations theory helps us understand how children can categorise their parents, or objects, into two different pieces that fit. As a child develops and grows up, the concept of splitting and reconciliation helps a child begin to understand that a parent can be both good and bad. 

Meanwhile, childcare professionals can gain valuable insights into children’s emotional experiences, helping them be better caregivers and aid parents in helping the child’s emotional growth in a nurturing and supportive environment. 

0-12 month development

Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Neck Rash

Author: Christina Montoya Fiedler

As babies’ immune systems are yet to develop effective defences against bacteria and other infections, they’re more prone to get skin rashes especially in areas that’s warm, moist, and have a lot of friction. Despite this, there’s a lot you can do to treat and prevent neck rashes from reoccurring.

Know everything you need to know about your baby’s neck rash here.

1-2 year development

What nap times reveal about your child’s brain development

Author: University of East Anglia 

Does your child tend to take a lot of naps during the day? Research shows that the frequency of a child’s naps reflects their individual cognitive need. As they’ve earlier found out, children’s brains consolidate information while they sleep and are a great indicator of cognitive development.

Read more about the study and what your children’s nap times can reveal about their cognitive development here.

2-3 year development

Bluey teaches children and parents alike about how play supports creativity – and other life lessons

Authors: Molly Scott, Aria Gaston-Panthaki, and Douglas Piper

Bluey has been much beloved not only by children who beam at it but also by parents who have found a gem in a myriad of children’s entertainment. Bluey has helped parents become more creative at parenting their children while also being more engaging and having fun at play with their children.

Find out parenting lessons Bluey has helped teach parents here. 

3-4 year development

These 3 Parenting Mistakes Make Kids More Stubborn

Author: Christian Dashiell

Your patience as a parent will definitely be tested especially when toddlers begin their reign of stubbornness. As young children, they do not have the ability to consider things from another person’s perspective and often can seem doggedly stubborn. However the case may be, young children can be more pliable and agreeable by avoiding these 3 parenting mistakes.

Read on about what these parenting mistakes are and how you can negotiate and navigate to avoid your kid’s stubborn refusal here.

4-5 year development

Why Your Kid’s Bad Behavior May Be a Good Thing

Author: Melinda Wenner Moyer

Since a shift in parenting styles, children have become more confident, assertive, and argumentative. Some may see this as children becoming more rude, however psychologists see this as a positive indicator that children feel safe and loved being themselves. 

Read more about how your kid’s otherwise less desirable behavior may be a good thing here.

Layers of the Earth Pudding Cups

Teach earth science to preschoolers as they eat through their very own layers of the earth pudding cup. Children will have fun learning about earth’s layers while mixing food colouring into a pudding mix and building each layer. 

Find the ingredients and recipe for a layer of the earth pudding cups here.

Ocean Zones for Kids: Layers of the Sea Science Project

From earth layers, move on to ocean zones where kids will have fun mixing and measuring just the right amount of food colouring in the mixture. For this activity, the ocean is divided into 5 zones. Children can also choose which animal they want inside each of the zones.

See how to create ocean zones here.

Pringles Can Windsock Craft

Combining art and science, kids will love this activity that will have them design their own windsock using recycled materials! Using a Pringles can, decorate it with foil coloured with Sharpies and let rubbing alcohol do the final touch. Ribbons attached to the cap will give way to passing wind, providing wind direction.

Find the instructions on how to construct a Pringles windsock here.

Levitating Match

Amaze little ones with this seemingly magic trick of a levitating match fire. Using 2 matchsticks, see how fire makes a matchstick levitate on its own. An adult needs to supervise and have a glass of water and/or fire extinguisher on standby.

Get instructions on how to conduct this experiment safely here.