The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need from Grownups by Erika Christakis

Growing up is a wonderful and complex process: young children must navigate a changing and beautiful world. As adults, it is our responsibility to provide them with the emotional and physical resources they need to successfully make their way. In her book, “The Importance of Being Little,” Erika Christakis makes a compelling case for the importance of providing a developmentally appropriate environment for our youngest children.

Christakis began her career as an early childhood educator and administrator in the United States. It was through her time in the classroom that she noticed the effects of an adult-centered approach to teaching. This approach de-valued the importance of children’s voice, natural curiosity, and creativity in the learning environment. She has since dedicated her work to advocating for a more nurturing and responsive approach to early childhood education.

In “The Importance of Being Little,” Christakis delineates the problems with the current education system and develops a new, more holistic approach towards the development of young children. She argues that this approach should be centered around adults fostering relationships with young children and creating an environment where they can safely explore and learn.

First and foremost, it is crucial that adults meet the social and emotional needs of young children. This begins in infancy, where babies need a strong attachment with a primary caregiver to help them develop a sense of trust, security, and emotional well-being. As children grow, adults should continue to be supportive, responsive, and provide opportunities for children to develop a sense of self-identity and self-efficacy.

To foster these goals, adults should establish a partnership with children through warm, reciprocal exchanges. These interactions can be fostered through conversations and play and allow for adults to get to know children and understand their unique developmental needs. Additionally, adults should strive to provide opportunities for children to gain skills in self-regulation and problem-solving. This can be done through modeling and providing concrete activities to problem-solve through.

Moreover, Christakis emphasizes the importance of providing children with an environment conducive to exploratory play. Through play, children can engage with the world around them, and learn to express themselves, open up to new experiences, and develop the skills necessary to become independent learners. Adults should provide open-ended play experiences that allow children to explore and express agency, rather than adult-led activities, which stunt creative processes and free exploration.

Overall, Erika Christakis advocates that adults should focus on creating an environment where children can express themselves, build relationships, and explore the world around them. Her book The Importance of Being Little provides an invaluable guide for adults wanting to promote the best possible learning and development for their children. Through active listening, encouragement, and a healthy dose of exploration, adults can ensure that the youngest members of society have the building blocks for a successful and happy life.