RIE Parenting – What Is An Educarer?
Magda Gerber one of the leading exponents some 30 years ago of RIE parenting coined the phrase ‘educarer’. RIE stands for Resources for Infant Educarers. So what is an ‘educarer’.
Put simple it is a mix of the words ‘education’ and ‘caring’ .
Gerber taught that real love is demonstrated by showing and teaching respect. RIE teaches parents to slow down and to pay attention to their childs signals. Babies are given lots of time and space for uninterrupted playtime.
This gives a child, teaches RIE parenting, a good start in life and for the parents it means less ‘fussing’ and trying to always be doing something with a baby or toddler. Amazingly, children are more than capable of amusing themselves and learning at their own pace. RIE parenting is not just for parents but grandparents and god parents too. RIe parenting is inclusive not exclusive.
The great thing about letting a baby ‘be’ is that parents can just ‘be’ too. RIE teaches that that pushing or at worst forcing a baby to do something actually has a detrimental effect on their natural devlopment. This can lead to a sense of failure and even disappointment.
RIE’s attitude to toys bemuses some people but it’s teachings do make sense. If you put a toy infront of a child they will grab it and play with it when they are good and ready. If they don’t then there is little interest and the mistake would be to force the issue with the child.
Babies are taught to be happy, independent and curious and most importantly a very willing and active participant in the process of learning. RIE parenting is about educating and caring hence the term ‘educarer’.
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