By LaToya Dawkins

In my class, we read a book called The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle that explains how a very hungry caterpillar ate so much food to prepare for his transformation into his cocoon and then into a beautiful butterfly. It is a fun story that gets my students into counting and enthused about all the different types of foods he ate. It also goes through the four phases of the butterfly; the egg, larvae, cocoon, and then the butterfly. In comparison, this cycle can relate to us as humans. The egg is our conception and growth in our mother’s womb, the larva or caterpillar phase is our childhood, the cocoon is our teenage/early adulthood years (this phase may last longer), and the butterfly stage would be our adulthood. This time of year, I begin to introduce this life cycle to my preschoolers. They are excited about spring time, the trees are changing and they constantly ask me questions about the caterpillar in its cocoon. Our preschoolers do not realize they also are going through a life cycle and right now they are caterpillars. We can help preschoolers turn into beautiful butterflies instead of butterflies with wings that crumble.

Preschool falls into the caterpillar phase. During this phase, the caterpillar’s main job is to eat and grow. This phase is crucial. If the larva is not properly nourished, it cannot move onto the next stage in the life cycle. Our preschoolers also are in a delicate phase in their life. They need to be nourished and fed the right foods to grow physically. Family meals help children eat more healthily. Studies have shown that children who have regular family meals are more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables and try new foods.  It is very important that we model the right foods in front of them.  My preschoolers strongly believe that candy is not good for them and when they see me eat it, they remind me!

During this caterpillar stage, children also need structure and routine. Children go through many transitions including school, family, and life transitions. However, providing a daily routine will help them deal with inevitable changes. Structure is more than just being repetitive; it is a systematic framework that supports your preschooler’s basic needs such as sleep, nutrition, and love. During the larva stage, the caterpillar is consistently shedding old skin to allow new skin to grow. The new skin allows the caterpillar to grow larger for its pupa. It is important that we do not hinder our preschooler’s growth but the least we can do is give them room to develop.

One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was discipline. Discipline is more than just “dos and don'ts," it is a way of life. When our preschoolers become butterflies, self-discipline will help them perform well on their jobs, in their relationships and in life. It is a system that trains and teaches preschoolers how the actions they take affect themselves and others. For example, if a preschooler takes their older sibling's toy, it should not be dismissed because they are younger. However, it should be addressed as an inconsiderate act. Discipline can also be learned through a craft such as dancing or martial arts. The skills learned, will give them the training and structure they need to comprehend self-control and independence.

Once our preschoolers become butterflies, the cycle can never begin again. Nevertheless, the opportunities that we provide for them now, can help them have a positive impact on their own caterpillars some day. The cycle begins with us!