In an era where performance is fashionable, I ask myself many questions about its effects on our children.
Is it essential to their development?
Luc Doyon, A Pebble in the Soulier , told me that while touring elementary schools in Quebec, his first question to the students was this: "Who is tired?" 65% raise their hand, then "who has insomnia" 35% raise their hand... in elementary school. I got chills. He writes this: "In today's society, countless parents impose an unsustainable pace of life on themselves and are at the end of their rope. Our society is one of performance and it expects the same from young people. Yet, children are above all children, whose priority should be to have fun."
How can performance serve them so young? I'm not against surpassing oneself, giving the best of oneself (I like the Toltec agreements and try to apply them) but I come back to it, why impose so much on them? What benefits do we get from it as a society?
Teachers admit to me that they don't like grading their students, but parents demand it; one teacher makes me think about the notion of personality versus results on paper; I come back to it, what do we want for our children? That they laugh, express themselves, play, or break records?
At the summer camp offered at the Jardin Éden, they flourish and remind us what they love most: "I feel free." Yes, activities fill the days for those who need them, but they can also wander to their imagination, building branches, observing insects, caring for animals... Isn't this a natural and sufficient "stimulation"? Should we add more?
I don't think there is a right answer, every child is different!
How are things in your family?
Photo: mariphotographie
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