Perception, positivity and parents

Parents/carers and early childhood professionals are often dismissed as inconsequential by the education system and wider society. Their complex work is dismissed as ‘just playing’, when, in reality, it is highly skilled and demanding. There is a plethora of research currently available that links neuroscience to the work Conceptual Engineers undertake (Conkbayir, 2016). It is a relatively new field of research and is not yet widely utilised by the people in a sector that feels undervalued, underfunded, and misunderstood.

I believe parents and early years practitioners should be named ‘Conceptual Engineers’ or ‘Brain Architects’. They carry out THE most important job in society. They are Architects of the brain. Engineers of neural pathways and connections. Their daily interactions co-construct the brains of our youngest children. 

The first 1001 days

The government acknowledge that the first 1001 days are critical. The report published in 2021 The best start in life: a vison for the first 1001 critical days confirms this belief. Yet, the government fail to respect, invest, or adequately fund the early childhood sector or parental leave. ‘Conceptual Engineers’ need to be responsive caregivers. Yet the current plans to increase ratios for two-year-olds undermine the very core of regular, quality interaction. If a woman gives birth to five babies, she would be offered support. Yet the Government are advocating a one to five ratio for two-year-olds daily. This is unacceptable.  

Parents Are Experts

‘Parents Are Experts’ (Knowledge to Nurture) is delivered by Manor and Castle Development Trust. Based in positive psychology, it is a programme of self-awareness that improves outcomes for parents/carers, children and families.  

It looks at perception, Enneagram (Riso and Hudson, 1999), Mindset (Dweck, 2012) reflection, schemas (Arnold, Athey), brain architecture and neuroscience (Conkbayir, 2016), and gives Conceptual Engineers additional information, tools and strategies that transform practice. The use of language is also considered.

The way to increase confidence, self-efficacy and communication (the pillars of healthy mental and physical health) is to interact and to affirm. ‘Parents Are Experts’ have the strap line: Be seen, Be heard, Be valued, Belong. Conceptual Engineers that have the time to make eye contact, hold respectful conversations and interact build, strong, healthy relationships. Their brain architecture is strong, supportive, and resilient.

Language

‘The Wonder of Word Wealth’ focusses on the power we hold as Conceptual Engineers and Brain Architects to impact on language development. Talking about the word gap is old, judgemental, and off putting. Changing the focus from this deficit model to the possibility of building wealth is empowering, even liberating. It provides a bridge to the future. The power of the word is often overlooked. Take a look at the poem below on ‘The Power of the Word’.

Schemas

Sharing information about play, especially schemas can help Conceptual Engineers (both parents/carers and practitioners) see things from a child’s perspective. The knowledge acquired can literally ‘melt frustration’. The books I have written for Conceptual Engineers to share with children are part of the ‘Parents Are Experts’ (Knowledge to Nurture) approach and are based on the lived experiences of children.

Understanding patterns in children’s play supports us in our understanding of the concept’s children are exploring. ‘The Little Schema Series’ highlight the concepts children are mastering (see references and further reading). Knowledge is power, and understanding why a child is doing what they are doing changes your perception and transforms practice.