halrunkel
“In the education of children there is nothing like alluring the interest and affection, otherwise you only make so many asses laden with books.” (Michel De Montaigne (1533-1592))
Jenny here. As a teacher and as a parent, I could not agree with this sentiment more. Donkeys simply carry whatever is put on their backs. I want more for my children, and I suspect you do as well. We don’t want our children to be complacent carriers of book-smarts…we want them to be invested change makers in the world. We want them to find excitement and joy in the process of learning itself. After all, the need to learn never really goes away.
So, instead of feeling pressured to keep up with the crowd and enroll little Jimmy in extra math tutoring to help his SAT scores 8 years from now, start encouraging his natural sense of curiosity and wonder that he already has inside. Find out what he loves and encourage him to follow it.
The most interesting, successful, and happy people in life aren’t necessarily the smartest or the most academically inclined. I am convinced they are the most curious. They are curious about the world and the people around them.
The only way that you can instill this kind of education in your child is to “allure them with interest and affection”. Show them learning is a part of your own life and encourage them to follow what interests them.
After all, the last thing we need in this world are more stubborn jackasses who simply carry whatever is put before them. Goodness knows we have enough of those.
Peace begins with a pause,
Jenny
