Gentle Violence: Respecting the Needs of Early Childhood and Geriatrics

Gentle violence: Parallels between early childhood and geriatrics for respectful support

In early childhood as in geriatrics, "gentle violence" is gestures, attitudes or contexts that, without being intentionally malicious, can generate stress, discomfort or suffering. These situations, which are often trivialized, are the result oforganizational constraints or professional habits. They particularly affect two vulnerable groups: young children, who are still in the process of cognitive and emotional development, and the elderly, who are sometimes weakened by cognitive or physical disorders. This article explores how non-verbal and cognitive profiles influence the perception of this violence and proposes ways to reduce its impact, both in early childhood structures and in nursing homes.

Understanding gentle violence: between perception and reality

In both contexts, soft violence often manifests itself in situations of overstimulation or the imposition of rigid rules. For example, imposing a collective schedule to eat in a crowded and noisy room, where the professionals themselves are stressed, can lead to sensory and emotional overload. The consequences vary according to cognitive profiles.

For young children, who perceive the world through their still-developing senses, a room full of moving adults or constant noises can create a sense of insecurity. This apparent chaos affects their ability to focus, interact, or calm down.

Similarly, in older adults with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's, a chaotic environment can amplify disorientation and anxiety. A simple group meal can become a source of confusion: too many visual and auditory stimuli, quick or incomprehensible exchanges, and overwhelmed professionals who move from one table to another.

The role of the non-verbal: a universal but delicate language

The non-verbal, in these contexts, plays a central role. A child or elderly person often decodes emotions and intentions through facial expressions, tone of voice, and especially body posture.

In children, adults standing, moving quickly, or talking loudly as they walk across the room, send an implicit message of tension or urgency. This can increase the turmoil around them, as children instinctively reflect the emotional state of the adults around them. Conversely, an adult at their level, with slow gestures and a benevolent gaze, creates a reassuring environment that encourages interaction.

In geriatrics, the non-verbal has an increased importance for residents with advanced cognitive disorders. The latter may not understand the words, but they perceive the tone and attitude of the caregivers very well. A sincere smile, a calm voice and direct eye contact can soothe diffuse anxieties. On the other hand, a dry tone, sudden gestures or a closed posture can provoke a withdrawal or defensive reaction.

Cognitive profiles: adapting to better support

Mild violence often stems from a lack of knowledge of the specific needs related to the cognitive profiles of the people being supported.

In early childhood, young children have a limited ability to regulate their emotions. Their brains, which are still developing, struggle to manage environments overloaded with stimuli. A noisy dining room, with simultaneous interactions between adults and children, can quickly become a turbulent ground. Spreading meals out in quieter spaces, with fewer people present, helps limit these stimuli and encourage better quality interactions.

In geriatrics, cognitive disorders modify the perception of time, space and social relationships. For example, for a person with dementia, eating surrounded by several strangers can be perceived as an intrusion or a source of anxiety. Offering meals in smaller spaces, with caregivers who take the time to talk gently, helps to recreate an atmosphere close to that of the home.

Creating environments that respect sensory and emotional needs

To reduce mild violence, it is essential to design environments that respect the sensory and emotional needs of the people being cared for.

In nurseries, this may mean limiting the number of adults standing in a room, organising quiet spaces for children to rest, and reducing noise levels by introducing moments of silence or soft music. Analysis grids, such as those that evaluate the level of noise, movement or crying, are valuable tools for adjusting the organization on a daily basis.

In nursing homes, it is crucial to train teams to recognize the signs of sensory overload in residents. Meals in small groups, with special attention to the posture and tone of the caregivers, can transform a stressful moment into a calming and convivial experience. Protected units must also avoid infantilizing gestures, such as giving a glass of water without consulting the resident or talking about him or her to the third person in his or her presence.

Awareness and training: the key to transforming practices

The reduction of mild violence requires awareness-raising and continuous training of professionals. In both sectors, it is essential to train teams to identify this subtle violence and to adapt their behaviour. This includes workshops on non-verbalism, discussions of real-life situations, and reflection on how the physical and organizational environment can be modified to meet individual needs.

Conclusion: Shared vigilance for respectful support

Whether in early childhood or geriatrics, gentle violence reminds us that supporting vulnerable people requires constant vigilance. By adapting environments, listening to non-verbal language, and taking cognitive profiles into account, it is possible to turn stressful moments into opportunities for human connection. These gestures, while seemingly simple, reflect a deep respect for the dignity and needs of each individual.