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"Hold Your Heartfelt Heart"
As parents, we often look for ways to help our children feel safe, connected, and understood. When big emotions arise—whether joy, frustration, or sadness—having a tangible anchor can make all the difference. In our home, we found that in something simple, yet deeply meaningful: a soft, hand-made felt heart.
Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education, spoke of the heart as more than just a physical organ—but as a centre for our thoughts, emotions, and spirit. His philosophy of "heart-thinking" encourages us to move beyond intellect alone and integrate feeling, presence, and connection into how we live and interact with the world. This is what drew me into the world of Steiner education in the first place.
Why Steiner? Why This Journey?
When my daughter was younger, I knew I wanted a slower, more intentional approach to learning, one that valued creativity, connection to nature, and emotional awareness. Steiner education embraces rhythm, storytelling, sensory experiences, and presence, all of which suited her natural way of exploring the world. The warmth of the wool, the act of crafting by hand, the way a child’s imagination is honoured—these were all elements that made me feel at home within this philosophy.
One of the most profound lessons Steiner education has taught me is that children need connection, not correction. So often, when toddlers struggle with emotions, our instinct is to talk them through it—but words don’t always resonate. Sometimes, they need something to hold, something tangible to express what feels too big inside them. This is how our felt hearts came to be.
The Power of Holding the Heart
When we first introduced the felt heart into our home, it became a little tool of comfort. If emotions felt overwhelming, if words were too hard to find, Isla could simply hold the heart. It was a reminder that her feelings were seen, safe, and allowed.
For those exploring this practice with their little ones, here are some ways to introduce it:
Guiding a Toddler to Use a Felt Heart
✨ Introduction: "Hey sweetie, see this soft heart? It's like a little hug for your feelings."
✨ Show and Tell: "When you feel happy, sad, or maybe even a bit mad, you can hold this heart."
✨ Demonstrate: "Let's put it on your chest, right over your heart. Can you feel how cozy it is?"
✨ Explain the Purpose: "This heart helps you remember to be kind and loving, just like you are."
✨ Encourage Connection: "Whenever you need a hug or feel strong emotions, hold this heart and take a deep breath."
✨ Reinforce: "This heart is your special friend. It helps you feel better and reminds you of love."
Where to Keep the Felt Heart
💛 Nature Table: A special spot where your toddler can place the felt heart alongside other natural treasures like pinecones, leaves, and stones.
💛 Bedside Table: Keeping the felt heart close to the bed can provide comfort and a sense of security, especially during bedtime.
💛 Special Shelf: A dedicated space in their room where they keep meaningful items, making it a cherished personal object.
💛 Cuddle Basket: A basket filled with cozy items like soft toys and the felt heart, creating a go-to spot for emotional support.
💛 The Car: Keeping one in the car allows your child to connect with it when you're driving and can’t offer them immediate comfort.
From the Heart, with Love
These hearts are more than just a calming tool for toddlers; they are a labour of love. Each one is carefully made by my daughter, a process she has completely embraced as her own. There’s something special about watching her create with intention, knowing that these little felt hearts will be held by other children, offering comfort and connection.
Every purchase supports her dream of one day owning a farm, where she envisions raising animals, growing food, and continuing to create with her hands. It’s her way of giving and receiving—a perfect reflection of the Steiner-inspired philosophy we hold so close to our hearts.
If this practice speaks to you, or if you have a little one who might find comfort in their own handmade felt heart, you can find them available for purchase on the website.
💛 Explore them here →
Warmest, Martine
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