Early music lessons on Mondays, swimming on Tuesdays, English for Beginners on Wednesdays, dancing on Thursdays, pottery on Fridays, visits to friends and relatives planned throughout the weekend—some little ones have schedules that would do any CEO proud.
Child development – How much drilling can childhood take?
Do children need so much input? And if so, what for? Is it bad to be bored? And what actually makes childhood really great?
The ambition of parents
Even in the womb, the little ones are exposed to classical music, and the plans of the expectant parents are frighteningly precise. "Of course our child has to learn an instrument, for their mental development! Of course we'll raise the child to be bilingual, how else will they compete in the job market later on?
Sport is essential, it spurs ambition!" These and a thousand other arguments clearly show that many parents are extremely unsettled in the face of social developments, in the shadow of Pisa and educational reforms.
What is essential to impart to your child as they embark on their journey through life? What actually provides advantages, and at what cost? The obsession with early learning and education among many parents and guardians is further fueled by countless commercial offerings. It is constantly suggested that without additional support, a child will not be able to keep up and meet future demands. All parents and those who want to become parents would do well to first give their offspring the chance to develop into a little personality without any interference—with all the talents, quirks, and idiosyncrasies that nature has already endowed them with.
Pulling on the grass won't make it grow any faster! African proverb
Less is often more
By kindergarten at the latest, you have to face up to comparisons. There are always children who ride horses, belong to sports clubs, take music lessons, attend language courses, or perform in plays. Is it already considered good form to plan your children's free time? Do we owe it to our offspring?
Blind activism is completely out of place here. The measure of things should always lie with the child itself, and in the first three years of life, children have their hands and heads full enough coping with their development even without any additional programs.
Psychologists warn against overloading children too early and advocate special "further education" from the age of 4 at the earliest. One or two sessions per week are then perfectly acceptable – provided that the child wants to participate in these activities of their own accord. It has been proven that it is completely ineffective for parents to impose additional support if the child is not willing to participate.
Even though children are supposedly interested and enthusiastic about everything, they develop likes and dislikes at an early age. Following these and any talents they may have is guaranteed to enrich their young minds, in contrast to the ill-considered use of trendy mass offerings.
Work won't run away from you if you show your child the rainbow.But the rainbow won't wait until you're done with work.
Chinese proverb
What's the point of all this?
Children need recognition and a sense of achievement. The experience of surpassing themselves, persevering to reach their goals, discovering new forms of expression, team spirit, recognizing their own strengths—these moments prepare our children optimally for life.
You give them self-confidence, strength, family support, and make them cheerful, happy people. This, along with enough space to just be a child, curiosity, and a sense of security, are the cornerstones of a contented, balanced childhood.
No PISA test, no entrance exam, and no career prospects justify stealing this time from your child with overcrowded daily schedules, pressure to succeed, and stress.
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