Emma's Reflections:Safe Space, a Lesson from the Classroom we shouldn't forget.

by emma ugarelli

​Safe Space: A Lesson from the Classroom We Shouldn’t ForgetIn my program as an early childhood educator, we teach children as young as two years old that our classroom is a safe space. Very quickly, they understand what those two simple words mean—not only through explanation, but through our behavior and daily interactions.
In simple terms, we explain that in this space:

• Their bodies are safe — no one can hurt them, hit them, touch them inappropriately, or harass them in any way.
• Their feelings are safe — no one is allowed to say mean things, call them names, or make fun of them.
• Their work is safe — the things they create or that belong to them are respected; no one can take, break, or destroy them.

What is remarkable is how quickly young children understand and embrace these ideas. But they do not learn them only through words. As educators, while we explain the rules and their meaning, we model them constantly through our own behavior. We show them what respect looks like. We demonstrate how to respond to conflict calmly, how to use words instead of aggression, and how to express feelings without escalating into harm.
Children learn to say:

• “I don’t like that.”
• “Stop.”
• Or they learn to walk away, refusing to enable negative behavior.

As teachers, we guide them using empathy and group support, helping them resolve conflicts without violence.
And yet, as children grow, something begins to change.
The opposite behaviors are often reinforced in society.
They may see adults—sometimes even their own parents—watching public figures who use bullying, mean language, lies, or aggressive behavior. Instead of questioning it, they may laugh, justify it, or dismiss it as normal. In those moments, the very behaviors we work so hard to discourage in early childhood are being normalized.
What message does that send?
That being loud is being strong.
That being aggressive is being confident.
That hurting others with words is acceptable—or even admirable.
So we must ask ourselves:
If young children can understand and practice respect, empathy, and boundaries so naturally, why do adults struggle to do the same?
Why do we move away from using our words to resolve conflict?
Why do we allow intimidation and aggression to replace dialogue and understanding?
Why do we sometimes reward behavior that makes our world less safe and more chaotic?
The truth is, the rules we teach young children are not simplistic—they are foundational. They are the building blocks of a healthy society.
Perhaps the real lesson is this:
Children are not too young to understand respect.
Sometimes, they understand it better than we do.
I hope that one day, we begin to learn from the lessons our youngest members teach us. That we stop normalizing harmful behavior and instead promote empathy, respect, and understanding.
Because creating a safe space shouldn’t stop at the classroom door.
It should be our goal to create a safe world, where every part of each person feels safe.