This is what we’re aiming for with our kids and I totally agree it’s scary as a parent to let them have that autonomy when everything in society is encouraging you to take/be in control. Having taken the plunge though, we’re seeing lots of results through their engagement in our home learning activities and interest in their future learning and skills. Also an improvement in social relationships within and outside the family and a huge increase in their advocacy skills relating to their neurodiversity. It’s been lovely to see the difference from stressed out, distressed and anxious kids only 15 months ago, to confident and secure young people taking ownership of their lives and making decisions for themselves that are based on real situations and are more balanced and nuanced than I would ever have expected from a 10 and 13yo.
As a parent and ex-teacher, controlling young people (“behaviour management“) has been a key priority imposed on me for most of my life but sitting back, listening and paying attention to my own kids and those in my care has definitely been an improvement for both them and me. Though it’s scary - it’s definitely worth stepping out of the expectations and giving young people the opportunity to learn the skills they need while young so they don’t enter adulthood totally unprepared. (Like I did!)
I love this, makes so much sense and explains my own life.
This is what we’re aiming for with our kids and I totally agree it’s scary as a parent to let them have that autonomy when everything in society is encouraging you to take/be in control. Having taken the plunge though, we’re seeing lots of results through their engagement in our home learning activities and interest in their future learning and skills. Also an improvement in social relationships within and outside the family and a huge increase in their advocacy skills relating to their neurodiversity. It’s been lovely to see the difference from stressed out, distressed and anxious kids only 15 months ago, to confident and secure young people taking ownership of their lives and making decisions for themselves that are based on real situations and are more balanced and nuanced than I would ever have expected from a 10 and 13yo.
As a parent and ex-teacher, controlling young people (“behaviour management“) has been a key priority imposed on me for most of my life but sitting back, listening and paying attention to my own kids and those in my care has definitely been an improvement for both them and me. Though it’s scary - it’s definitely worth stepping out of the expectations and giving young people the opportunity to learn the skills they need while young so they don’t enter adulthood totally unprepared. (Like I did!)