Written by: Clare Ford, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I truly believe that it is every person’s birth right to be “fully expressed”.
Yet the saddest thing I see in the education space is children not being encouraged to have a voice. Not being encouraged to ask questions and just regurgitating information for the sake of getting the grades. So actually, perhaps we need to ask whether children can thrive AND excel in school, or whether they choose to EXCEL in school or THRIVE.
Einstein once said, “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life thinking that it’s stupid.” And yet this is exactly what happens in the education system.
Now I know, from experience, that the “one-size-fits-all” approach is no longer working and is outdated. And for a child to thrive, they have to be seen, heard and validated for WHO THEY REALLY ARE.
My name is Clare Ford, and I am an expert educator, teen mentor and wellbeing entrepreneur, with over 20 years’ experience working with parents, kids and teens. I help unmotivated, disengaged and bored learners “switch on” so that they are confident, fulfilled and happy, as well as academically successful.
My passion is seeing young people unlock that potential inside them, which I do by valuing their emotional growth and personal development, as well as supporting them to develop the key foundational life skills that they need.
As a conscious parent and educator myself, I learn from my own teen sons and students every day. I think that the ONE MOST IMPORTANT THING for our children to thrive is to see them for who they are, not for who we want them to be. Here are my recommendations for parents to help their children thrive:
Get CLARITY – around expectations regarding timetabling; homework; deadlines
Make SPACE – I see how over-scheduled children are with clubs and after school activities and need time and space to just “be”
Get CURIOUS – make time to listen when asking your child or teen about their day or their friends - often the “shoulder to shoulder” approach works well – driving; walking together or preparing a meal
CELEBRATE the “wins” – however small; don’t underestimate how much anxiety the majority of children experience daily in a school setting
Be KIND to yourself so that your children are kind to themselves and not overly critical.
I talk about this further in my Chapter called “Nurturing the True Essence of Your Child” in “Not Another Parenting Book” where I explain that for our children to live a true, purposeful and impassioned life (to thrive and excel), not only do we have to be connected with our soul’s desires., but we have to see our children for who they really are, not for who we want them to be. So, in conclusion:
You are here to be you.
Everyone’s reality is different. Your child is not you.
Your greatest gift to your child is to be fully present and connect with them so they felt seen, heard and validated.
Your child will blossom in their own time.
Your child’s uniqueness is their greatest gift to humanity.
Clare Ford, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Clare is an award-winning education expert with over 20 years’ teaching experience, international best-selling author and Founder of Switched ON!, the cutting-edge global education platform offering inspirational education and parenting solutions.
Clare has spoken on several radio shows, global summits, podcasts and TV about redefining education with her unique Switched ON! Learning Method and delights audiences with her combination of wisdom, expertise and humour. Clare is passionate about untapping the potential of each and every one of the children and teens she teaches for them to shine.
