Question Time
At the turn of the year, we are usually thinking about our New Year resolutions and fresh starts. Perhaps the dawn of 2022 will be a little different, where the hope will be that things return to the more familiar routines and practices of 2019 as life was pre-Pandemic.
Certainly, in education, there is a feeling that things are “getting back to normal”, whatever normal now means. GCSE and A level exams will resume in the summer months albeit with some mitigations on syllabi; the year should hold the excitement of field trips, residential visits and full resumption of Parents’ Evenings, School Fairs and Concerts, after their tentative resurrection during the latter part of 2021.
So what are the hopes, dreams and resolutions that you have for your children, family life and education this year? Of course, all parents want their children to be happy and fulfilled but here are some thoughts to ponder…
Is it time to give your growing child the next step to independence?
As parents, it is often difficult to let go, whatever the age of your child. Remember that small steps forward are the way forward to becoming a responsible confident adult and, at a young age, develop a widening circle of relationships. It is always good to remember that it is much harder to pull back your child’s independence, so take little steps and build gradually.
Is it time to give your child more responsibility?
Parenting today tends to absolve our growing children of a great deal of responsibility. In many ways, this is wonderful, allowing them a full and free childhood. However, gradually teaching and developing small degrees of responsibility, help a child to feel respected and grow in confidence. Don’t be afraid of giving them a regular household task to perform or be responsible for feeding the goldfish! Obviously, responsibilities need to be matched to the age, ability and maturity of each child but this can develop gradually and sensitively.
Is it time to say no?
It’s okay to say no! Giving children choices is fine and, indeed, often appropriate but give yourself permission to accept that you are the parent and the adult and, sometimes, your decision or choice is better; you have considered the options and weighed up the alternatives as a mature person who loves their child unconditionally. If you think that it is better for your child then have the confidence to go with your considered view as parents. It’s not easy, particularly, through the teenage years but I was glad to hear one of my daughters, aged fifteen at the time, respond, “ I don’t agree with you but I respect your decision!” – quite a landmark etched on my brain.
And finally, is it time, to have more fun! (Note to self on this one and this is my recurring New Year resolution.) Too often as parents, or just as adults, we are focussed on what is best, how we can improve things, worrying about our child’s education and all the other bits that come with having children…and forget, at times, about the fun we have with our children. As they get older, those times become ever more precious. Our daughters are all in their twenties now and the family times that we share are the best moments that anyone could wish for!
Enjoy the journey as well as the destination and here’s to a happy and fulfilling 2022!
Sue Laidlaw is Founder of Laidlaw Education LLP and Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Sue and her team would be delighted to assist you with the educational needs of your child.
www.laidlaweducation.co.uk 020 8487 9517