Rhythm, Rest, Protection & Time: Supporting Children with Anxiety & Nervousness

Feeling anxious or nervous are common experiences throughout life. Some people experience these feelings frequently, and others every so often.

In March, some of our early childhood parents participated in an anonymous survey that explored their child’s anxiousness. From the data collected, there was an observed increase in anxiousness at the beginning of the pandemic, which has now slightly decreased one year later.

With the unexpected changes and hardships we have faced this past year, some may wonder: how can we prevent our children from feeling the stress and anxiety that this past year has caused? How can we help the children within our care? How can Waldorf education, specifically, help a child with anxiousness or nervousness?

As with our general approach to early childhood education, the answer is quite simple: rhythm, rest, protection & time.

Rhythm

Waldorf education provides an environment where the child knows what to expect and when to expect it through consistent rhythm. This can be especially nurturing to children experiencing anxiety or nervousness, as the child is truly held by the steadiness of the rhythm and it familiar with the expectations. The rhythm provided leaves little room for children to wonder (or worry) about what happens next!

Rest

Waldorf early childhood programs promote a healthy, sustainable rhythm that includes plenty of rest. Including substantial rest in the daily rhythm allows for children to move inward & reflect, and provides them with the time and opportunity to move through their many new and complex experiences in the world.

Protection

Parents, caregivers, and teachers can work to promote a sense of security within the young child in which they are at one with their environment, their body is a shelter, and their surroundings are safe. By showering the child with love and protection, and by allowing them to play freely, children may experience a decrease in stress and anxiety-provoking responses to otherwise stressful events.

Time

As children are provided with a nurturing environment that allows them to learn in their own time, their natural interest and appreciation for learning unfolds, without outside pressure and influence. Children need the space and the freedom to explore as they learn, to make the connections to the content that is offered in their own time.

95.8% of participants in our parent/caregiver survey reported that they observed a “positive impact on their child’s well-being since beginning Waldorf education,” while the remaining 4.2% reported “no noticed changes in well-being.” These findings are enormously encouraging and supportive of the work of providing warm and consistent rhythm, rest, protection & time our early childhood team undertakes each and every day in our preschool and kindergarten classrooms.

LEARN MORE:

Why Waldorf? There is always a time for everything in the Waldorf early childhood classroom. These warm & nurturing spaces are led by teachers who meet children with kindness, simplicity and a well-rounded experience.

Curious about a Waldorf education for your child? Let’s connect!

Through her experience and education, Avery Gerhardt has committed herself to preserving the sanctity of childhood and strives to do so for the children she meets along her journey as an Early Childhood Educator. Waldorf Education holds a special place in her heart, as it provides the space for children to develop physically, emotionally, and as spiritual beings. She works to create a classroom environment that provides warmth, security, and a sense of belonging for all.