Learning through exploring

MANILA, Philippines - The outdoors is one big world for a child to explore, with him satisfying his inquisitive nature through play. Play, which is something that he spontaneously engages in rather than an activity he is compelled to do, is how he makes sense of his surroundings and learns.

“When children play, they feel in control of their world. That builds a sense of competence, strengthening self-esteem and confidence,” says family life and child development expert Dr. Lilian Leynes-Juadiong. “Children learn best through direct, hands-on experience. Playing facilitates the physical, social, and emotional development of children.”

At this stage of learning, it is important to continuously feed their curiosity. Here are some ways toward that:

• Consider the child’s developmental level. Give them activities and materials that they can handle to avoid frustration and strengthen their self-esteem.

• Avoid telling them the best way to do things. Let them discover for themselves. While curiosity enhances the cognitive development of children, we should also consider their socio-emotional development manifested through helping, caring, and sharing. Also keep in mind that children can be affected deeply by other people’s emotional states.

• Let children know how much you value helping, caring, and sharing; and be a good role model to them. The most important role of parents is that of a behavior model. Children tend to mimic what adults do more often than what they say. The ways that you communicate, solve problems, and relate to others — coupled with an enriched learning environment — form a powerful tool for how your children will learn and behave beyond the four walls of the classroom.

• Assist children in defining their own feelings towards others, positive or negative. Children can’t empathize with the emotions of others until they understand their own.

• Welcome children’s help and show how much you appreciate it, even the smallest effort. They should help because they want to, not because they expect rewards.

At this stage of exploration and learning, it is only natural for parents to be protective of their child, knowing how susceptible he can be to being exposed to viruses and bacteria that the world out there may bring. One of the many ways to keep your child armed is with probiotics. Probiotics, also known as good bacteria, are living microorganisms that are already inside your child’s gut. These boost your child’s immune system by producing antibodies that destroy toxins released by bad bacteria that make your child sick, prevent the growth of harmful species, and balance the digestive system.

A good source of probiotics is Nido 3+, the only 3+ milk powder with Lactobacillus Protectus, a live probiotic strain of Lactobacillus paracasei coupled with Bifido-bacterium longum that is proprietary to Nestle.