Lovely reflections and so similar to our experiences. In the early days, I would often suggest structured activities or classes whenever they showed an interest in something - they usually hated the idea. I was baffled at first, but having watched them in action for so long, I totally get it now : )
Yes totally. It’s another point at which our conditioning meets their natural drive for autonomy. Thank you for reading and for sharing, I’m so glad this perspective fits with your experiences.
Glad the idea resonates. Thankfully, we have more flexibility to build this kind of approach at home, although it would be fantastic if it were wider than that.
Great article. This reminded me of when we attended my son’s Kindergarten orientation and I noticed in the classroom one of the teachers had created an instruction manual for how to climb the monkey bars! There was also a poster that instructed the “correct” way to color (stay in the lines, use colors that make sense…rules that squash creativity and promote conformity). These were just two of the many red flags that caused us to pull him out of school and homeschool just a couple months later.
My gosh, makes you want to laugh at the absurdity of it — or cry! So pleased you chose a healthier, freer path for your son. Thank you for reading and commenting, I’m glad this resonated :-)
Thank you for sharing these ideas that bring back wonderful memories and experiences of watching and facilitating my children’s learning throughout their lives. I feel like cheering every time I read what you’ve written because it just rings so true!
Yes, I see those moments all the time—when curiosity doesn’t fit schedules, but giving space often leads to the most meaningful learning.
It sure does. Thank you for reading and commenting :-)
Lovely reflections and so similar to our experiences. In the early days, I would often suggest structured activities or classes whenever they showed an interest in something - they usually hated the idea. I was baffled at first, but having watched them in action for so long, I totally get it now : )
Yes totally. It’s another point at which our conditioning meets their natural drive for autonomy. Thank you for reading and for sharing, I’m so glad this perspective fits with your experiences.
I love your idea of activities starting from a place of curiosity and experience, and not from instruction.
Glad the idea resonates. Thankfully, we have more flexibility to build this kind of approach at home, although it would be fantastic if it were wider than that.
Great article. This reminded me of when we attended my son’s Kindergarten orientation and I noticed in the classroom one of the teachers had created an instruction manual for how to climb the monkey bars! There was also a poster that instructed the “correct” way to color (stay in the lines, use colors that make sense…rules that squash creativity and promote conformity). These were just two of the many red flags that caused us to pull him out of school and homeschool just a couple months later.
My gosh, makes you want to laugh at the absurdity of it — or cry! So pleased you chose a healthier, freer path for your son. Thank you for reading and commenting, I’m glad this resonated :-)
Thank you for sharing these ideas that bring back wonderful memories and experiences of watching and facilitating my children’s learning throughout their lives. I feel like cheering every time I read what you’ve written because it just rings so true!
Oh that’s brilliant to hear, thank you! So happy your children got these experiences growing up — such a gift :-)