Now that I covered the principles and key components of RIE®, I wanted to share my personal experience with it. I think it can be easy to know and teach the concepts but integrating and living it is a whole other level. Let me start by saying that I was lucky to be introduced to […]
Though not specifically listed as one of the RIE® principles, I feel like ACKNOWLEDGEMENT must be included and highlighted because so much of this approach revolves around it. To be acknowledged is to feel seen, heard, understood and validated. It doesn’t mean to pacify, fix, entertain, distract or even make better. When it comes to […]
One of the final pieces of the RIE@ approach is consistency. We all know that babies and children thrive when expectations are clear and consistent. By establishing defined limits and boundaries AND communicating these expectations, we create the atmosphere of early discipline from which we can build. To be honest, I don’t love the word […]
The next two pieces of RIE@ go hand in hand with each other: a safe, challenging and predictable environment and time for uninterrupted play. When following the RIE@ approach, it is absolutely crucial you have a designated section of your home that supports a baby’s natural desire to move. This inborn motivation should not be […]
The next piece of the RIE® approach is involving the child during care taking activities. This may seem strange because you’re probably thinking that of course the baby is involved in diapering, changing, feeding, bathing. But oftentimes, these activities are done TO the baby and not WITH the baby. We tend to treat the baby […]
Sensitive Observation IS the RIE® Method. Grounded in respect, authenticity and trust, the manner of which we come to understand our infants’ communications, needs and personality is through observation. Sensitive observation is a skill that requires time, patience and practice. It is more mindful than just watching and certainly doesn’t include your phone. And it’s […]
Building off of respect and authenticity, the next piece of the RIE® method is trust. More specifically, it is trust in our children’s competence. Staring from birth, RIE asks us to trust our infant as “an initiator, to be an explorer eager to learn what he is ready for.” When my daughter was born, this […]
In addition to respect, one of the other main tenants of the RIE® method is authenticity. How can we define authenticity? According to the dictionary, it is something that is real or true. It could also mean the genuine truth of something or one that doesn’t have to play or fulfill a role. According to […]
If I could sum up the RIE® method in one word, it would be respect. I know what you are probably thinking. “Of course I respect my baby!” Maybe you take offense that I would be suggesting otherwise. But when we stop a consider the concept of respect a little more deeply and how it relates […]
Lucky for me, before my daughter was born, I was introduced to RIE® parenting by our family pediatrician. After reading numerous books on the subject, I felt extremely thankful to have a workable framework guided by sound principles that provide a point of reference for me to operate as a new mom. I loved the […]