SENSE OF WONDER
5CHOOSING A GOOD
SCHOOL
Kids & Education
4
SENSE OF WONDER
Expats here in Thailand are lucky enough to have a world of natural beauty right on their doorsteps : From the beach to the jungle , there are plenty of opportunities to build outdoor activities into your family calendar .
And why are outdoor activities worthwhile ? Taking children into nature helps them understand their places in the world . It is through observing and exploring wider surroundings that we can foster creativity and inspiration , too : Perhaps a day at the beach will inspire a future marine biologist . A weekend in a National Park could plant the seeds for a future zoologist — seeds that might not take root if a child spends all her time on the couch with an iPad
We all know and recognize that parents are influential role models for their children . When parents hold interests beyond their careers and about the world at large , they demonstrate the importance of living a full life , one that includes a sense of wonder . As children ’ s primary teachers , it ’ s vital for parents to lead by example — so , remember to put down the gadgets every once in a while and explore the great outdoors with your child .
5CHOOSING A GOOD
SCHOOL
Many parents feel pressured to create the conditions for ideal childhoods . But your child ’ s happiness is the responsibility of her educators , too . Studies suggest that happiness is positively associated with intrinsic motivation and with students ’ grade point average scores . This means schools should allow pupils the space and time to pursue their happiness — by developing existing interests and having the opportunities to explore new things and to build relationships as well .
By exposing children to a wide range of experiences , holistic schools help children find their passions , while imparting the skills that support everything else .
So , when considering how to set the scene for a balanced childhood , consider your child ’ s school : Does the school offer a full and exciting school experience ? Does it maximize pupils ’ potential in and out of the classroom ? Does it reward successes beyond academia ?
Though academic success is undoubtedly important , schools that concentrate on holistic learning may be more conducive to your child ’ s overall wellbeing by making a balanced , happy childhood — and a successful adulthood — all the more possible .
Schools should allow pupils the space and time to pursue their happiness .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vanessa Robitaille is a mother of two and Head of the Prep School at Brighton College in Bangkok . Having grown up in Kenya and studied at Oxford and Cambridge Universities , Vanessa has been teaching around the world for over 20 years .
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