When asked if I would write a post for the Co-Reg Community about Hygge, I was a little unsure what to write. I had just completed the Self-Reg ECD course in which I wrote about Hygge in response to one of the module questions. To me, Hygge is one of my favourite words. It transcends all aspects of day-to-day and professional life in a way that is both accessible and inspirational.
So, what is Hygge?
"Hygge (pronounced hue-guh, not hoo-gah) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, ordinary or extraordinary as cozy, charming or special." (S. Bennett, The Curiosity Approach).
When we look at all the systems and pedagogies we've built or are trying to develop in the early years, I sometimes feel we're overcomplicating things. Hygge is a way to come back to the basics...which just so happens to fit perfectly with Self-Reg. Hygge is enjoying our lives right now and honouring time. Hygge is about being present, thankful and connected (connected to the earth and people). It's about warmth and comfort, which is also my mantra.
As I am writing this, I am sitting beneath an umbrella on my back deck listening to the birds, the wind rustling through the trees, smelling the scent of newly bloomed lilacs and enjoying the mid-day heat of an unseasonably warm May day.
It's about the basics. Not our engrained industrialized view of always "building" or "working towards" something (goals and aspirations have their place, but they aren't the reason we find joy in our day-to-day lives). Hygge is about finding ways to make the most out of our everyday. To find comfort and belonging, to appreciate this time that truly is a gift. Comparatively, Self-Reg gives us the tools and knowledge to understand and support human behaviour, specifically how stress contributes to our well-being and health. Self-Reg teaches to view a child as an individual, with their own strengths and gifts. It is the educator's role to be present enough (Hygge enough) to give witness to the child, nurturing the child's individuality so that he or she can live their best life.
Self-Reg and Hygge are not about:
the most photo-perfect environments.
intricately planned curriculums.
developmental checklists or deterministic views.
Self-Reg and Hygge are about:
building relationships first
reducing stress
creating thoughtful and welcoming environments
respecting and being in nature
finding comfort
enjoying life...right now
So when you are developing a teaching philosophy, a parenting technique, or a self-care mantra, you don't need to look at materialistic things or complicated ideas. You just need Self-Reg with a dash of Hygge added in for good measure.
Thank you for reading; I hope you've found inspiration to slow down and find joy in the simple or extraordinary moments in your day-to-day lives.
Kristina Schwartz
Founder/Director LLHDC Inc.
I had initially written about Hygge on my website blog back in August 2019! The post was a connection piece between Hygge and Home Child Care. If you'd like to take a look, you can access it through this link: https://www.littlelambshdc.com/blog/my-new-favourite-word-hygge-hue-guh