The dream I had recently about the special course for 10 year old girls has brought me to thinking about what might be lacking in our existing education system. There is SO much in life that I was unequipped to navigate with grace or wisdom when I left home.
Ideally, all the life skills we need would be learned in the home, but who tells their children about the demands and expectations of parenthood – the challenges, disciplinary options, the importance of honoring the child, of listening to them? Some of these things are taught by example. But this depends on the family. Even the specific stages that children go through would be extremely helpful for future parents to understand.
What other things are important for young adults to know?
How about going on mock interviews, learning to present themselves well, and be educated about workplace expectations and dynamics? (Be on time, be presentable, use good manners, clean up after yourself.)
Should children be taught in school about what it takes to live in partnership? Some of some basics about living with one’s chosen partner – blessings, pitfalls and all? How to communicate and navigate interpersonal challenges. (Treat your partner with kindness and carry your own weight.)
Not specific religious teachings, but …something of ethics, honesty, integrity and the skills of personal sacrifice. What it means to be the best kind of human, how to walk in personal balance, and what it means to honor others.
What if young adults were provided techniques that assist one to find inner peace – or even taught the concept of inner peace.
How fruitful would it be to have class discussions about the elements of a rewarding life – and versions of what that might be?
The differences between males and females were very confusing to me for many years. Should all children learn about the differences between the male and female of our species?
What kind of a world would we be creating if we provided this kind of knowledge in a neutral and informational way, facilitating open discussion?
I understand parents wanting to teach their own children values and I totally support that. I homeschooled my younger children for 4 years and I know the commitment, devotion, time and love that goes into it, as well as the valuable family time gained.
Interest, involvement and teachings from one’s parents is a blessing
However, in many families, public school is responsible for providing knowledge. If parents can’t read, their children are taught to read in school. If parents are uncomfortable with numbers, their children gain at least a rudimentary knowledge of the basics in school. What other information and training should be provided for a productive and satisfying life?
I consider it of a matter of great importance what children are taught. They will be the parents and neighbors and citizens and leaders of our future. They will create a future that is beyond what we can imagine. I believe we should give them all the tools we can.
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8 hummingbird way 