Observe more, do less.

~Magda Gerber

I recently came across this beautiful article called "This is Not That Kind of Class" by Anna Ruth Myers, a RIE^® Associate in NYC, and it perfectly captures why our RIE classes are so different from other parent-child offerings. And, perhaps, why RIE is so unique.

Her opening paragraph really says it all:

"It's easy to misunderstand a RIE Certified Parent-Infant Guidance™ Class. On the surface, it might look like any other parent-child offering: a weekly gathering where babies and toddlers 'do something' together. Music. Yoga. Art. Dance.

But a RIE class is built on a different set of values."

Why this Matters to Me (and Maybe to You, Too)

As someone who's been facilitating RIE classes for years, I've noticed that some parents come to their first class expecting instructions, activities, or some kind of curriculum they need to follow with their babies. They're sometimes surprised—even a little uncomfortable—when I don't hand out scarves to wave or start a circle time.

What Anna Ruth captures so beautifully is that this discomfort often comes from our culture's belief that we need to constantly "do something" with our children. We've been conditioned to think that good parenting means filling every moment with enrichment, stimulation, and structured learning.

But here's what I've witnessed over and over again in our classes, what Magda Gerber showed us: when we step back from directing and performing, something magical happens. Children become deeply engaged with their environment. They make authentic connections with peers. They solve problems creatively. And parents get to actually see their child—not just manage their behavior or orchestrate their experience.

The Gift of Unstructured Time

"RIE Parent-Infant Guidance classes are spacious, slow, and real.

No one is asked to perform. No one is given a script.

There are no instructions to follow.

There is simply time and space to be—together.

Children of similar developmental stages explore a thoughtfully prepared environment while their parents or caregivers sit nearby and pause, observe, and reflect.

That’s it.

And that’s everything."

There's a huge difference between children following adult instructions and children leading their own exploration while adults accompany them. This isn't about being permissive or hands-off. It's about trusting that children are naturally curious, competent, and creative. It's about learning when to support and when to step back.

This feels radical in our achievement-oriented world, but I've seen what happens when we give children this gift. They become more confident, creative, and authentically themselves.

And parents? They discover they can trust their instincts and parent from presence rather than anxiety. They can be present and connected without constantly providing commentary, suggestions, or praise. There's something deeply restful about this for both parent and child.

Two Ways to Experience This Approach

🏠 In-Person RIE Parent-Infant Guidance Classes

Join a local class (look here for classes near you) to experience

the spaciousness Anna Ruth describes. Watch your child (birth to 2.5 years) discover their capabilities while you practice the art of respectful observation and authentic presence. Small groups ensure individual attention and plenty of space to move and explore.

💻 Online RIE Parent Guidance Classes

Can't make it in person? Our virtual classes bring the RIE philosophy into your living room. These discussion-based sessions help you understand and apply RIE principles in your daily interactions with your child. Perfect for parents who want to deepen their understanding of respectful parenting practices and connect with like-minded families.

Look here for teachers who offer these classes or send an email to educarer@rie.org.

PS...some families take both types of classes!

To learn a little more, maybe join one of our monthly Q&As.

An Invitation to Slow Down

If Anna Ruth's words—or my reflections on them—resonate with you, I'd love to have you experience this approach firsthand. Whether you join us in person or online, in a weekly class, or in one of the many courses we share...you'll be part of a community that values children's natural competence and supports parents in slowing down enough to really see the remarkable young humans they're raising.

Your tax-deductible donation to RIE (a 501(c)(3)) helps us share these transformative ideas with more parents, caregivers, and professionals worldwide. Each contribution moves us closer to Magda's vision of a more respectful, more comfortable world for everyone.

Help us reach more families!

Have questions?

Reach out to our team at (626) 345-5210 or educarer@rie.org