My Moment: She Lifted Her Bottom

I learned about RIE^® when my first daughter was about 15 months old, so when I had my second daughter, I had the chance to use the RIE approach from the beginning. For weeks and months, I had been engaging my baby during diapering and telling her what I was going to do at each step. Then one day, when I asked her if she could lift her bottom so I could put on a new diaper, and I waited a moment as usual, she looked at me and the she did it! It was the first time and I was amazed. Although she couldn’t speak, she understood me! It was such an exciting moment of connection and insight, and a confirmation that this RIE practice really worked! My baby had been paying attention, could respond to my requests, and wanted to connect with me. It was so rewarding and my heart felt so full of love, respect, and connection.

Principle: Involvement of the child in all care activities

— Jennifer

Learn More

My Moment: Self!

Parenting Moment

From RIE®, I learned that I could offer my toddler choices. Living in New York City, we spent a lot of time going places in a stroller and she had […]

Educaring^® Practice: Tell the Baby What You are Going to Do

Educaring Practices

Talking to your baby has benefits for both baby and parent “I believe in speaking to your baby because that’s how we human beings communicate. Why not talk to your […]

Lev Vygotsky: How Relationships Shape Learning

Science of RIE

“In play, a child is always above his average age, above his daily behavior; in play, it is as though he were a head taller than himself.” Lev Vygotsky How […]

Learning Story: Responding to Our Communication

From RIE Associates

Learning Stories

Dear Levi: You are barely 3 months old and already you are responding to your mother’s encouragement toward learning what words and non-verbal communication movements and gestures mean.  Your mother […]