The basic architecture of the brain is constructed through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood. Early experiences affect the quality of that architecture by establishing either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for all of the learning, health and behavior that follow. In the first few years of life, more than a million new neural connections are formed every second.
Expectations and guardrails.
As a parent, I know there is a bit of magic in getting them right a t the right time and as early as possible and the potential for a big mess when we don’t.
Have you asked yourself if you’ve been clear about what you expect from your children at home and at school? What is your family culture and values that you wish to impart? Do they know the boundaries drawn and that we care enough to hold them?
In our studio, the expectations and guardrails are clear. They are written within the Contract (created by the Learners) and posted to be seen each day. They can trust us to hold the guardrails tightly so they stay on track. It is the hardest and possibly the most important work we do as Guides in our mission to call up young heroes.
Can your children trust you to do the same at home?
There are only two weeks left in Session Two of this school year. It’s the perfect time to sit with your children and look at their progress.
Are they satisfied with their work so far? Are you? Does something need to change? Will your family be willing to change if need be? These are the hard discussions that end up grounding a young life.
Just as a child yearns for structure and hold clear guardrails, they also yearn to be heard and known. They want to be held accountable. And they want to be seen as worthy of excellence. Yes, excellence and they will show this off to the world one day.
Questions to ask your child:
What work or creation will you show off and celebrate at the end of this session?
Questions for you as a parent:
What boundary or guardrail will you hold?
Will you claim an expectation of excellence?
If not, what do you expect?
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