Presentation of the Strategy

The Mirror and Validate Approach

Recognizing children's expressions

Support and resolution of difficulties

Improvement of the emotional climate

The Mirror and Validate Approach is a dynamic interaction strategy for families and teachers aimed at
promoting deeper understanding and empathy among adults and children, resulting in a harmonious
environment. Additionally, the purpose of this method is to establish a positive relationship among
children and the individuals around them. In order to accomplish the result and introduce the technique,
two stages are required. The first step includes reflecting the child's emotions. When a children shares
their thoughts, adults have to reflect these sentiments by accepting and validating their expressions. The
second step is to check the child's response to the prior behavior. As a result, the Mirror and Validate
Approach can contribute to the cultivation of social intelligence, enhances communication, and
establishes a framework of mutual trust between adults and children.

Tip 1: Development of Active Listening Abilities

Ability to understand body and speech patterns

Eye contact

Response to verbal and non-verbal messages

Active listening is the foundation stone of the Mirror and Validate Approach. It is crucial to develop the
capability to listen attentively and detect sensitive cues in their actions, tone of voice, and expressions
when communicating with small children. Active listening implies not simply hearing, but understanding
the child's expressions, and it is critical to focus on their body language, facial features, and timbre of
their voice. Therefore, it is important for parents or teachers to maintain eye contact with the child to
communicate that they are a part of their life and are committed to helping them. Meanwhile, it is
important to be responsive to their verbal and non-verbal signals to convey their emotions clearly. Thus,
practicing active listenership will lay the foundations for effective interaction and demonstrating to
children that their expressions are legitimate and accepted.

Tip 2: Use the Appropriate Level of Language

Adjust speech to children's age level

Use simple and regular words

Align language with children's specific needs

Manage complicated terms as children develop

While applying the Mirror and Validate Approach with young children, it is crucial to make adjustments
to the language to meet the children's needs and developmental goals. Younger children may have
restricted vocabulary and poor understanding of feelings, which is why parents and teachers should use
clear and specific terms to capture their feelings accurately. As children progress in age, teachers need to
modify their language to correspond to their growing awareness of emotions in order to accommodate
children's interests. Throughout this period, it is crucial to use more advanced terms and engage in age-
appropriate conversations about their feelings and coping strategies. This guarantees that the Mirror and
Validate Approach continues to be effective and relevant during the development of the children.
Tip 3: Coherence in Application

The element of security and credibility

The creation of a stable space

Development of a strong bond with children

Consistency is a key element in building a sense of security and trust for young children. When using the
Mirror and Validate Approach, teachers and parents should be coherent in their interactions with
children's emotions. This coherence helps children to predict and understand their response,
establishing a stable and conducive environment. Irrespective of whether a child is exhibiting joy,
sadness, anger, or disappointment, consistently mirroring their emerging emotions allows them to be
validated. This reassurance provides children with a sense of validation and acceptance, contributing to a
sense of emotional stability.