From Head to Heart: Nurturing Children through a Whole-Child Lense

Dearest Gentle Reader…

As I find myself re-watching The Bridgeton’s show. this author finds herself compelled to share the most exciting concept that not only shapes the concept of Early Childhood Development for her but continues to mold the woman and practitioner she is becoming. The Whole Child Approach – rich in intention, rooted in love, grace and understanding for Nurturing the “Whole Child”.

Brief background for this approach

The Whole Child Approach, though modern in name, is deeply rooted in the work of pioneers who saw education as sacred; John Dewey believed learning should be meaningful and connected to real life. Maria Montessori taught us to trust the child – to follow curiosity and nurture their independence. Rudolph Steiner, through Waldorf education, reminded us that art, imagination, rhythm are not extras but are essential for growing a full rich inner life. Jean Piaget helped us understand that children learn in stages, through exploration and play – that they are thinkers and builders of their own understanding. All these visionaries express that a child is more than a mind, A child is a soul in bloom.

So What is the Whole Child Approach – At Home?

At its core, it puts into perspective the many layers that make up a child. It guides our intention in nurturing and raising children, not just for success, but for Wholeness. This approach shows up in the way we listen, validate, nurture and provide for the child outside of human basic needs such as a shelter or food and even clothes, it shows up in their little cute eyes – windows to their souls. Lets begin the emotional layer – the one closest to my heart and most foundation to everything else.

Emotional Development: Big feelings in the tiny body. In my own journey, I’ve come to recognize the sacred weight of holding space for a child’s emotions. Not rushing to fix. Not brushing off their tears but sitting with in the storm or reassuring them with your presence and gently giving them the space to find their own way through.Sometimes it sounds like, “I’m here for you. I love you. It makes me sad to see you sad, but I believe in you. And when you’re ready, I’ll be right here waiting for you.”

Whether it’s a meltdown, a moment of frustration, or a boundary being tested, our job is to anchor them without overpowering them. For example:

• “I understand you want a snack, but right now Mommy is saying no because dinner is soon. I can bring out some of your favorite toys and set a timer. When it rings, we’ll eat—and after dinner, you can have your snack.”

• Or: “Throwing things can be exciting, especially when you see them fly across the room. But blocks aren’t for throwing. I can give you a ball instead, and we’ll go outside to kick or toss it together.”

This is emotional coaching in action—validating their feelings while setting loving, clear boundaries. It shows them they are safe, they are seen, and they are capable of making better choices, all while knowing you’re with them every step of the way.

Physical Development: Movement, co-ordination and rest. Physical Development is more than milestones – it’s about honoring and supporting their body needs to move, run, wiggle and rest. There’re so many ways to look at this development but supporting their physical growth can look simple, but it needs to be intentional, to help stimulate their brain-body functions. In this approach there are main subheadings to consider;

1. Their fine motor skills which involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers, essential for tasks like grasping, buttoning, drawing or painting on small surfaces. 2. Gross motor skills which include bigger muscles needed for running, kicking, throwing or even walking. 3. Co-ordination is the main concept in Physical development. Co-ordination is the ability to move their body parts in a functional and harmonious manner – the ability to use their limbs and eyes in order to perform a task.

At home, supporting physical development can include;

• Setting up safe spaces where the child can move freely – climb, run or even crawl. We can often find equipment that support their physical exploration in parks, even right outside. We can support them by letting them pick them pick their equipment that interests them, and trust their instincts, let them explore – try and only help if they look back with those cute puppy “help me eyes”
• Offering nourishing foods that support their growing immune systems, foods/snacks that are rich in – Vitamin D, iron and zinc are the 3 most important nutrients they need to grow – amongst others.
• Recognizing when overstimulated and the child is calling for rest – you can redirect them to a calm activity it doesn’t have to be sleepy time, and kids learn from us. Children often learn from us, modelling calm behaviors such as reading, yoga or even short meditation sessions can be helpful, sometimes they just need cuddles – its about restoring balance.

Cognitive development is all about how a child thinks, learns, remembers, and solves problems. It’s the invisible yet powerful work happening behind their questions, their imaginative stories, their problem-solving, and even their moments of silence and observation.

From the moment they’re born, their brains are making connections—neurons firing, building pathways, and storing memories. These early years are a critical window for brain development, and we can support that growth by simply creating a home filled with rich stimulation, curiosity, and meaningful interaction.

At home, cognitive development can be supported by:

• Open-ended play—blocks, pretend play, storytelling, and art invite them to explore without pressure.

• Everyday learning moments—counting fruit during snack time, sorting laundry by color, asking questions during walks (“What’s that?), and you having to repeat what “that is” for the 1000s time.

• Allowing space for curiosity—instead of always giving answers, respond with “What do you think?” or “Let’s figure it out together.”

• Reading aloud—books not only boost vocabulary and comprehension, but they build imagination and memory too.

I’ve learned that children don’t always need more information. What they really need is permission to wonder. To explore their own ideas without judgment. To be met with patience, not performance. Because when they feel safe to think freely, their minds begin to bloom.

Spiritual Development: Wonder, Faith & the Quiet Things That Matter. Spiritual development is often the most tender and overlooked part of a child’s growth—but it’s also one of the most powerful. It’s not just about the Holy Spirit; it’s about helping a child connect to something greater than themselves. To feel loved, safe, purposeful, and aware of beauty in the world around them.

For me, this begins with faith. I believe that every child is a divine creation—fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Nurturing their spirit means creating space for awe, for questions, for stillness, and for joy.

At home, spiritual development can look like:

• Morning prayers or blessings—short, whispered moments of gratitude to start the day with peace.

• Nature walks—pausing to wonder at the shape of a leaf, the color of the sky, or the song of a bird.

• Nighttime prayers or blessings – short prayers, whispers for gratitude to end the day, small everyday blessings we might take for granted and a little song for peace for the night.

As I continue learning and growing—through both study and hands-on experience—I’ve been deeply moved by how many of you resonate with the heart of this journey. Your comments, reflections, and quiet encouragement remind me that we are not alone in this calling to raise whole, rooted, radiant children.

One beautiful suggestion from a reader truly stuck with me: to explore “Finding Child Care from an Educator’s Perspective.” It reminded me how vital it is to support parents—not just in understanding development, but in making confident, grace-filled choices for their child’s care and learning environment.

So stay tuned. Next week, I’ll be diving into a guide for choosing a caretaker or school—through the lens of the Whole Child. Because every decision you make for your little one matters deeply. And you deserve to feel seen, supported, and strong in that process.

With love and grace,

Nomagugu Luna