I respect myself and insist upon it from everybody. And because I do it, I then respect everybody, too.
– Maya Angelou

Anyone working directly with toddlers or supporting those who are, knows about the adventure that comes from navigating the kinds of questions young children often ask.

In the foreword to Nick Terrones’ popular book, A Can of Worms: Fearless Conversations With Toddlers, Ann Pelo and Margie Carter write:

“A two-year-old and her teacher, Nick, lie on their bellies eye to eye with a worm. The toddler, Paige, tries to fit the worm into an organizational system—male or female, boy or girl. She asks, ‘Does the worm have a penis?’

“Her question hangs in the air while Nick gulps and collects his thoughts, aware that this question could carry them into intimate considerations. ‘How much should I say? How little?’ he wonders. And he finds his answer in ‘one of my highest values, which is to honor children’s thinking by… responding honestly. I decided to stick with Paige and her curiosity, her desire to understand, rather than let my anxieties stifle the conversation.'”

Nick Terrones writes of his trust in the capacity of young children and the adults who care for them to come together in these challenging moments with appropriate honesty and mutual respect. As he reflects on his own experiences with the many joys and challenges that come from working with toddlers, he provides a supportive guide for all those who are doing the same.