Wer ist Emmi Pikler?
The name Emmi Pikler is familiar to only a few. And yet the Hungarian pediatrician and author with her concept of infant and toddler education in her time took completely new paths. Emmi Pikler was born in 1902 in Vienna and early on wanted to become a pediatrician. Her experiences with her first daughter reinforced her conviction that children do not necessarily need to be stimulated for healthy development, but rather need freedom of movement and patience from their parents.
After she survived the war and the persecution of the Jews by supporting the families of her patients, Emmi Pikler founded in 1946 in Budapest the Lóczy Institute, which developed into an internationally recognized infant and toddler home. She published several books and numerous professional articles on her pedagogical approach, including 'Getting to Know Each Other' and 'Give Me Time'. Emmi Pikler directed the Lóczy Institute until a few years before her death in 1984.Independent learning at an individual pace
The basis of the Pikler approach is the idea that children develop best and can unfold their personality,
when they are allowed to do so independently. Every child has their own, completely unique personality and also its own development pace. Therefore it is completely normal and desirable that among peers one child is already a bit further along than another and that learning progress varies slightly. With her approach Pikler assumed that a child only takes its next step in development, when it feels ready to do so. All the more important is an environment in which your child feels safe and valued. Raising children at eye level: the three pillars of Emmi Pikler's pedagogical approach
Emmi Pikler saw infant and toddler education as the
decisive foundation for a healthy personality development. What is considered self-evident in today's pedagogy was a completely new approach in her time. Emmi Pikler essentially based her concept on three elements:Free play:
According to Pikler, even infants are able to occupy themselves and be 'creative' within the scope of their abilities. Free play therefore has a fundamental importance from the very beginning for the satisfaction and self-confidence of babies and toddlers. For you parents this means that you give your child enough time and calm to occupy themselves and, if necessary, provide safe materials for playing and discovery. By the way, this does not always have to be new toys—many children prefer to use familiar and proven objects to explore them in depth.Independent motor development
: Emmi Pikler assumed that every child has an innate urge to move as well as the ability to develop its motor skills independently. To enable this development, babies and toddlers need the necessary space and time to try out their own abilities. You can take part in these 'exploration journeys' without guiding them. This way your child can independently test their abilities and limits.Relationship-based care:
Mindful, loving handling of the baby is a basic prerequisite in upbringing. According to Emmi Pikler's teaching, this does not only mean that a child is well cared for, but above all that it is actively involved from the start in care actions such as /magazine/family-life/dressing-properly/diapering-dressingand being fed. By communicating with your child, e.g.: 'And now we put the bodysuit on', you convey to your child a sense of security and a feeling for the /magazine/child-rearing-psychology/physical-development/rituals-for-babies-toddlersand routines, so that it can gradually participate independently and develop its abilities.Who is Emmi Pikler?
Your role as caregivers: How you support your child's development
In Emmi Pikler's educational approach, it's primarily about your little one's independent development, but also your supportive role as caregivers must not be overlooked. Your task as parents is to give your child the freedom and the opportunities to explore their surroundings, to play and to develop independently. In doing so you are respectful and convey to your child security and comfort, to support them in their development and individuality. Your child will be accepted as they are. This feeling is very valuable to your child and also promotes a more positive self-image.
You create security at home, for example, through familiar routines, attention and active communication with your child. Explain to your child what you will do next together and when caring for them it's best to always follow the same sequence. These rituals bring calm to everyday life and give children a stable framework to develop. Take your time and avoid haste. Above all, wait until your child is ready to join in and take the next steps — everything in its time and when your little one feels ready.
