Are We Making Life Too "Easy" For Our Children?

When my daughter was eight, she announced that she didn't think she would ever attend college because she felt that she might "peak too soon" and "might want to try other things."  My initial response was, "Well, you're eight and feelings change..."

While I recognize that college is not the ideal path for everyone, I do believe that a solid education and love for learning are essential.  I soon realized that her comment was more of a reflection of how she felt about attending school and less about her plans for the future.  Although she cares about her schoolwork, loves to read and write and enjoys being with her friends, just about every week day I was hearing, "Why do I have to go to school?" And then, "Why can't I learn from home?"

Despite various conversations and efforts to shift her demeanor about school, my husband and I soon realized that we needed to make a change.  However, the idea of attending a different school was not met with enthusiasm.  She was mostly concerned about missing her friends. 

Now after a week in the fourth grade at her new school, thanks to the school-choice option, I'm happy to report that the transition went well.  She's finding school "fun" and "interesting" and she's making more friends.  Yay!

Every well-intentioned parent want the same thing for their children.  We want to keep them safe and provide them with the best opportunities possible.  This does not mean we have to strive to make their lives "easier."  Instead, it is our responsibility to guide them in unlocking their greatest potential.  Whenever my daughter complains about anything being hard, I lovingly say, "that's good, it means that you're exercising your brain."

Yes, encouragement is essential.  We also live in a time of constant change and the ability to adapt and see challenges as opportunities for growth and new experiences are vital to our children's well-being and success as contributing members of society. 

Children are born with their hearts and minds wide open.  The key is to help them maintain an attitude of openness with respect for others, tolerance of differences, along with a mindset for growth.  Even those with physical or mental limitations have something unique to offer and can be our greatest teachers.  For their specific purpose in life, they are exceptionally-abled.