Be a little on the wild side and explore adventure with your child
Don't underestimate that what you expose your children to can have a fantastic impact on their intellectual and emotional growth. Read here to consider ideas and examples of how you can make a to your child’s life by being open to many ideas.
Adventures and surprises in doing varied and different things with your child is life giving and very stimulating for broader learning. Don't underestimate that what you expose your children to can have an amazing impact on their intellectual and emotional growth. Consider the following ideas and examples of how you can make a difference to your child’s life by being open to many ideas.
Fosters Learning and Curiosity:
Adventure and exploration stimulate a child's curiosity and love for learning, providing them with new knowledge and experiences.
Reason: Children become more adventurous and interested in change as you give them exposure and broad opportunities.
Example: Parents can take their child on educational trips to museums, zoos, or historical sites, encouraging them to ask questions and explore exhibits. Look at what is advertised around town and beyond.
Builds Resilience and Confidence:
Reason: Facing new challenges and unfamiliar situations helps children build resilience and self-confidence as they navigate and conquer obstacles. It’s all about exposing them to new moments in their life.
Example: Parents can enrol their child in a sports team, music lessons, or an art class, where they can develop skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
Encourages Independence:
Reason: Adventures allow children to make decisions and problem-solve independently, fostering a sense of self-reliance. Such independence builds emotional maturity and personal confidence. We want our children to feel that they can take control
Example: Parents can let their child plan a family day trip, where they research and choose the destination, create an itinerary, and lead the way.
Creates Lasting Memories:
Reason: Exploring new places and trying new activities can result in cherished family memories that bring joy for years to come. The more positive happy memories you have the greater longer term happy thoughts children have of growing up
Example: Parents can plan a family camping trip, complete with storytelling around the campfire and stargazing, creating memorable experiences.
Fosters Cultural Awareness:
Reason: Exposure to different cultures and traditions through travel can broaden a child's perspective and promote cultural understanding. In our global world today we need tolerance and understanding. The more your child is exposed to difference, the better informed that are about life.
Example: Parents can take their child on international trips or visit cultural festivals and events in their own community to embrace diversity. Check out some of the documentaries on other cultures and watch the program together.
Promotes a Sense of Wonder:
Reason: Adventure encourages children to see the world with wonder and excitement, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of the world. Surprise them by taking them to places that step away from comfort zones. Let them experience nature through touching, feeling, smelling and experiencing.
Example: Parents can take their child on nature hikes or expeditions, where they can discover the wonders of the natural world, such as unique plants, animals, and landscapes.
Be a parent who is open to difference and welcome ideas that are unique. Not everyone has to be an Indiana Jones but within your scope as a family look to what is possible and will stretch their imagination. You will enjoy this journey of discovery yourself.
Go a little on the wild side, be adventurous with your child.
-Gail J Smith
Knowledge is Power
When we were in the grip of the lockdown, we were all seeking updates and new information with regard to the pandemic. Such knowledge was critical in keeping abreast of the situation that was at times quite confusing and unsettling. Managing anxiety and above all supporting the family through those uncertain times was the order of the day. Knowledge enabled us to take control of our daily life.
This is a classic example of how accurate knowledge gives you the power to manage and control the situation.
Children deserve accurate and up to date knowledge that will empower them to take control of their lives. As a parent, it is our duty to ensure that we are honest and give our children the knowledge that will empower them over all sorts of life matters. As a child grows, a parent of course tailor’s information that fits the age but above all, it must be the truth.
A child who values knowledge grows in the power of personal confidence and self-worth
Teachers’ roles are very much about empowering children with knowledge. They give them the tools to take control of their work. There is nothing more disempowering and limiting than not having the correct knowledge to drive decisions. It is like a ship lost in a storm with no anchor or guiding instruments to direct it.
Children trust their teachers because they will teach them accurately and with no holds barred. Teachers will be honest and empower them with useful knowledge. The more knowledge our children have, the greater power they have in taking control of themselves and being personally confident to tackle issues. We are all rendered powerless without knowledge.
Consider the following to help children in this area:
When a child asks a question be in the habit of answering correctly and with information that is accurate. Underplaying your child’s intelligence by offering simple answers can sometimes confuse a child. It can also suggest to the child that you do not have confidence in their ability to process information. This can reduce their interest in coming to you for knowledge.
Children display their curiosity in many ways. We should be available and willing to answer questions that enlighten and empower your child. Let them know that you are happy to share knowledge together. If you don’t have the answer straight away then follow up learning can happen together.
Be consistent in how you answer questions. Check in with your child later to see if they understand what you had to say.
Be prepared to learn from your child. There is much to discover from listening to them and respecting their knowledge.
As a parent remember that the more you empower your child with knowledge, the better equipped they are in coping with various life situations. They are also more inclined to approach you with difficult issues if they feel you will give them an honest and rich explanation. This is particularly the case as the child approaches puberty.
If you are a person who displays an insatiable appetite for knowledge, this will undoubtedly rub off on your child. Share your information and joy of learning with them.
Be open to talking about all sorts of topics that sometimes may take you out of your comfort zones. Let your child know that exploring various topics can lead to stronger awareness and sensitivity to all kinds of differences. We are only intimidated by what we don’t know.
A child who feels comfortable approaching a parent with all sorts of inquiries will undoubtedly feel comfortable and secure in your presence. They deserve the respect of being given accurate and clear information.
A child who values knowledge grows in the power of personal confidence and self-worth.
“An investment in KNOWLEDGE
Always pays the best INTEREST”