Patty Wipfler
Sharing in the Early Years: Promoting Respect, Generosity, and the Joy of Learning
In this presentation, you will be introduced to a preschool policy, “I’ll be with you while you wait,” and some simple “Listening Tools” designed to help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers feel seen and connected in the classroom. By offering warm, attentive support during moments of upset, caregivers can build deeper, more trusting relationships with children. As children's feelings of urgency subside, they feel more connected, fostering their natural generosity and cooperation. This approach strengthens emotional bonds and gradually creates a classroom environment where toys and activities can be enjoyed peacefully, rather than guarded.
AUDIO VERSION

Patty Wipfler
Patty Wipfler founded the nonprofit Hand in Hand Parenting in 1989. She has developed and taught the Hand in Hand Parenting approach for over 35 years. Evidence-based and rooted in warm and respectful listening, it helps parents and educators nurture children's intelligence and resilience. Hand in Hand Instructors support parents and professionals on five continents.
Patty, along with Tosha Shore, MA, co-authored Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges, available in print, digital, and audio formats.
Patty is the grateful mother of two sons and has three young adult grandchildren. She lives in Palo Alto, California.

Hand in Hand Parenting
Hand in Hand is a nonprofit with an innovative approach, built around five “Listening Tools,” that supports all adults in a child’s life—parents, educators, and professionals—to build strong relationships, foster children’s emotional well-being, and create lasting, positive change in families and communities worldwide.
Discussion
Your questions will be answered after the conference.
Add a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
It is very important in early years, the child should be able to recognize the emotions and express them the way it is described in this session. Connecting with our children as educators is very important. Connecting with them through tactile or verbal communication is very much needed. I always find “giving a hug” when the child is upset or happy works like a miracle.