Parents Are Important Too

The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center is an educational entity located at the Smithsonian Institution that provides full-time, part-time and weekend programs for children aged 3 months - 6 years.

Parents are important too.

Besides being an educator for the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, I am also a mom. And I know all too well, what it is like to be unsure of oneself as a parent. That is one of the reasons we have set up our programs at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center with the parent in mind. Another reason; YOU are your child’s first teacher. How you interact with your child can have a significant impact on their early development. So we want to help you develop skills that can be used in your everyday life. Whether it’s our weekend workshops or our two-day/week toddler program, Smithsonian Early Explorers, we make our museum visits about the family as a whole. Often we ask parents to lead simple activities in the galleries that could be used in other situations. For example, we might ask infant/toddler parents to find all the boats in a gallery space or simply describe an object. Preschooler families might be asked to create a story around an object or make a list of questions they have about an object. In both of these scenarios, we are encouraging independent thinking, literacy and providing time for you and your child to interact.

Back in the classroom, educators have prepared art projects, dramatic play areas and sensory experiences. The classroom experience is less structured and gives you and your child time to explore your interests. In order to help our parents make the most of their time, we make the following suggestions:

1. Let your child choose the activity and how long they want to stay at that activity.

2. There is really no wrong way to do something – let them be creative and get dirty.

3. If they are frustrated, ask them if they want help. Otherwise, let them solve the problem on their own.

4. While you observe your infant, narrate what they are doing. Or ask older children about what they are doing or why they made certain choices.

With these guidelines, parents can feel confident that they are giving their child autonomy and encouraging their interest. They are also giving them space to figure out problems on their own - this will lead to more confidence. By talking with them throughout the process you are engaging with them, encouraging literacy and helping them to think critically about their process.    

Let SEEC help you be your child’s first teacher by joining us for a weekend class or register for our year-long Smithsonian Early Explorer’s program. Our educators will not only create a great learning experience, but we will also help you become a better teacher!