Parenting is like a marathon, along the way many parents inadvertently fall into the trap of formalism, simplifying their child’s growth into numbers and to-do lists. Behind this, the essence is measuring a child’s effort with physical indicators such as milk cartons and empty pen cores, as satirized in “The Little Prince”, the adult world favors numbers but overlooks their deeper meaning.
In the pursuit of formalism, children’s voices and genuine needs are overshadowed, replaced by a dislike for imposed tasks from the outside world and even disdain for learning itself. This superficial growth actually hinders children’s holistic development, becoming obstacles on the path of growth.
So, how can we lead children out of formalism and back to the essence of growth? The core strategy is to ignite the spark within children’s hearts, letting learning and exploration stem from inner passion.
The primary step is to focus on interests rather than task-driven learning models. Use creative methods like gamified learning to allow children to absorb new knowledge joyfully, making interests their best guides.
Additionally, value the process rather than just showcasing results. Parents should pay more attention to the efforts and attempts made by children on their learning journey, recognizing every small progress, allowing children to gain satisfaction and confidence from self-improvement.
Each child has their uniqueness, hence, personalized growth plans are more important than a one-size-fits-all approach. Respect and encourage children to develop personal interests and talents, avoiding blindly following others’ paths to success.
To achieve this transformation, parents need to constantly reflect and adjust their educational strategies in daily practices. For example, reduce unnecessary quantitative tasks, create a relaxed growth environment; increase emotional communication with children, build a strong trust bridge; motivate children to explore independently while providing necessary support and guidance; and, comprehensively focus on children’s physical and mental development, social skills, and emotional world.
Break free from the shackles of formalism, let children’s path of growth return to innocence and nature, requiring parents’ cooperation and wise application. Through these strategies, we collectively create a free, open, and inclusive growth environment for children, waiting for their transformation peacefully, enjoying the joy and achievements brought by parenting.
