Re:Working with young children

I believe that in Uncommon Therapy (by Jay Haley) there are some interesting examples, not to mention many other books regarding Erickson.

It seems to me, from what I have read, that Erickson always approached children with a sense of their unique position in the world. For example, the desire a child has to grow up. Also, he seemed to prepare an opportunity for the child to learn on their own (i.e. to learn that they can achieve something). He would also check up on their school work and usually insure that, by some indirect means perhaps, they were improving (i.e. practicing spelling). I think, as well, he often established his position as "seperate" from the parents by, for example, instructing (with authority) the parents to leave the room thus giving the child the sense that he was on the child's "side" so to speak. The parents tend to be focused on "fixing the child", while Erickson seemed more inclined to respect the child and provide a climate for the child to "fix" himself, and fix may not be the most appropriate word.

A lot of the time, children perceive adults ("grown-ups") as simply rule-givers, and yet at the same time the child wants to grow up, become independant, and free. To appeal to a child, I think one needs to recognize several items particular to how the child himself sees the world, and rather than making them feel smaller, give them the sense of respect and the allow them the knowledge that they can achieve anything. Children have wonderful imaginations that can easily motivate them.

There are some better informed individuals here to provide a more specific reply (more detailed knowledge of Erickson), but that's my take. Best regards.

Replies:

Re:Working with young children, by Carlos J. Sanchez, 10/19/02

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