Teacher Tom says “kids haven’t changed at all” over recent decades. “Kids still need freedom to play, to follow their own curiosity,to ask and answer questions,and to learn how to get along with other people,” he says. Nurturing Kids & Building ConnectionsThe first five years of a child’s life “should be about how to live with these complicated things called emotions,” Tom says. Children also need time and space to navigate emotions and social interactions. But “too often, we step in too soon,” Tom says. When adults hear bickering, arguing, or tears, they frequently step in and problem solve for the kids — which can adversely affect child development. “We rob them of the chance to learn that basic skill of self-governance and self-control,” Tom says. Give the kids time. Left to their own devices, kids often come up with innovative solutions. Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:Teacher Tom — Tom’s blog Teacher Tom’s World — includes links to Teacher Tom’s courses, books, & speaking events Teacher Tom’s Facebook page Teacher Tom Talks About Boys, Emotions, & Play — ON BOYS episode The Gardener & the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells Us About the Relationship Between Parents & Children, by Alison Gopnik — book mentioned by Teacher Tom The Link Between Freedom & Video Games — BuildingBoys post Why You Need to Stop Focusing on Your Boys’ Bickering — BuildingBoys post Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Harari — book mentioned by Teacher Tom   Sponsor Spotlight: Lumen Understand your metabolism! Go to lumen.me/ONBOYS to save 15% on Lumen     Sponsor Spotlight: Dabble & Dollop Natural bath products for kids. Visit dabbleandollop.com/onboys to get 20% OFF your first order! Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: armoire.style/ONBOYS * Check out ByHeart and use my code ONBOYS for a great deal: byheart.com * Check out Lumen: lumen.me/ONBOYS Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy