"Your work is good, but your ideas are not as creative as David's. Work harder". "Sammy, I expected more from you. This is no longer kindergarten, remember?" Do those comments strike you as encouragement or pressure? Either way, you're correct. As teachers and parents, we do this all the time, which leaves our children feeling as did Sammy, a curious learner. He feels anxious due to his parents' emphasis on straight A's and comparisons to his siblings. He hesitates to participate in a science fair, fearing the oft-repeated refrain of not being "good enough." Got the message? Learning over grades👌. As mentors, we need to skillfully maintain an equipoise between extremes while shaping the lives of our dependents. Let me show you some ways to do just that. ✍️ Praise versus Criticism: Genuinely praise effort but offer constructive criticism to propel towards growth. ✍️ Challenge versus Onslaught: Stimulate them to progress but do not crush them with unrealistic expectations. ✍️ Freedom versus Guidance: Grant clearly defined age-appropriate choices but step in with needed boundaries (structure). ✍️ Nurturing versus Coddling: Provide emotional support /safety net but avoid throwing them a life raft indiscriminately. ✍️ Creativity versus Perfectionism: Encourage experimentation but do not obsess over flawlessness. ✍️ Self-esteem versus Ego: Build confidence in them but do not encourage an inflated sense of self. ✍️ Reward versus Entitlement: Appreciate good behaviour but do not give them absolute right (let them earn it, don't spoil them). Remember Sammy, at the beginning? His teacher reassured him that creativity and effort mattered most, and he rediscovered the joy of learning and self-expression, beaming with pride over his project, even though it didn't win a prize in the first stage. When we pressure our children and compare them to others, we damage their self-worth and turn hobbies into chores. Teach them to love learning, and the grades you wanted in the first place will follow. PS: What other extremes do you think we need to strike a balance with? I'd love to read those. #mondaymotivation #teachthechild #learningovergrades #education #teachers
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Positive affirmations for high school students can be a powerful tool to promote confidence, resilience, and a positive outlook on life. https://buff.ly/4f5kIbu #SelfWorth #Engagement #Purpose @Let's Learn Slang
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7moGreat perspective!