I observe a 3 year old child and her uncle interact while at church. The young girl begin to play with her uncle by climbing on him and playing with his face. He then begin to talk to her telling her to stop, she began to repeat after him, while tilting her head to the side and staring at him as if he was doing something wrong. The young girl then begin to tell ask for something to drink, the uncle was hesitant because he told her she doesnt listen. The young girl continued to ask for something the to drink. After a few moments, she saw her mom, as proceed to ask her for something to drink. The uncle told the niece, she needs to learn to listen. She did not respond but continued to drink and move about her way.
Through this interaction, I noticed that children have multiple was to communicate, some verbal, and some non verbal. This child used both ways of communcation, and proceed to get what she wanted through communicating to the right person.
I also notice, children learn communication multiple ways, by listening to direction, or repeating what they hear. The child repeated what her uncle said, mulitple times, this form of communication, causes for great listening, hearing and quick thought. If the uncle wanted to communicated more effective or affirming, he would have needed to possibly speak to the child in a way that spoke from a directive way. The uncle would have need to let the child know he was serious and not playing.
In relation to the child not getting what she requested from the uncle. The child, could believe that her behavior can dictate what she gets and dont get. This can make her feel as though she is not acecptable unless she does what is right. When children ask for something they are trusting the individual that they will provide them with what they need.
I am learning more and more, that children are indivdiuals we are raising to become adults. Thus we must not always dismiss or silence them. Children communicated their true feeling in the moment, and we can learn alot if we listen effectively to how children communicate. I am lerning to be more open minded, and not shut children down when they communicate. Their communication is their sense of identity, because they are communcating based on how they view the world. I am learning to be patient, kind and understand because children are learning and adults learn more through communicating with children.
