Childhood is not a rehearsal for the adult world, but a unique chapter in life, deserving our full attention and respect.
In a conversation with early childhood education expert Audrey Rowland, we discovered that society often rushes children to “grow up,” neglecting the unique significance of this stage.
The Hidden Pressure of Society’s Accelerated “Growing Up”
The fast pace of modern life has permeated parenting and education.
Parents and teachers sometimes unconsciously view childhood as a “waiting zone,” only thinking about when children will be ready to face the “real” world.
This mindset stems from the limitations of the adult perspective: we easily underestimate repetitive play, aimless wandering, or seemingly simple daily interactions—these are actually crucial processes for children to build their self and worldview.
Audrey Rowland emphasizes that childhood has its own inherent rhythm, and rushing it may interfere with a child’s natural development.
The Value of Childhood as an Independent Stage
Childhood is not an appendage, but a stage of life that needs to be “honored.”
It possesses its own logic and sense of accomplishment: through play, children develop confidence, identity, and problem-solving skills.
Research shows that many adults’ views on children’s development differ from children’s own experiences—parents may consider certain behaviors “a waste of time,” but for children, that is precisely the essence of exploration and growth.
For example, statistics indicate that teachers’ and parents’ observations often overlook the real gains children make in seemingly “purposeless” activities.
How Adult Bias Affects Child Development
Adults often bring their own anxieties and expectations into childhood.
We sometimes treat children as “little adults,” ignoring their unique ways of perceiving and their needs.
Audrey Rowland points out that this bias undermines children’s self-esteem because it implies that their present state is “unimportant.”
Conversely, if we view childhood as a precious period, we can better support children to thrive in the present, rather than focusing solely on the distant future.
Audrey Rowland: A Staunch Advocate for the Power of Play
As a professional with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Audrey Rowland is more than just a teacher and administrator; she is a change agent.
She founded Green Space Learning in Fort Worth, Texas, focusing on providing resources and training for educators, administrators, and policymakers.
Her team excels at designing natural outdoor play spaces and adapting indoor environments to meet children’s age needs.
Audrey firmly believes that children effectively build their understanding of the world through independent play—one of the driving forces behind her roles as Chair of the Texas Association for Early Childhood Education and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Tarrant County Early Learning Alliance.
With a Master of Science in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas and an MBA from Texas Women’s University, she combines academic and practical experience to drive educational change at the community level.
How to Support Children’s Growth Now
Change the way we talk, starting with everyday practices.
Here are some practical strategies to help us better accompany our children:
- Recognize the core role of play: Let children lead the play process, rather than adults-led “educational games.”
- Adjust adult perspective: Ask “What does this mean for the child now?” instead of just “How will it help in the future?”
- Create age-appropriate environments: Design safe spaces that allow for exploration, whether it’s an outdoor nature area or an indoor corner.
- Strengthen communication and observation: Listen to children, bridge differences between home and school, and avoid preconceived notions.
- Advocate for policy support: Promote community support for early childhood education resources, making play a mainstream rather than a “luxury.”
These steps not only boost children’s self-esteem but also help adults rediscover the joy of childhood.
Let Childhood Shine Again
It’s time to stop marginalizing childhood and give it its rightful place.
By changing our words and actions, we are not only nurturing the next generation but also redefining the early stages of life as a journey to be fully embraced.
