Research-based ideas
to help kids thrive
How much importance do you place on a LOVE of learning?
5 Key Insights to Help
Set Up Your Child's
Life Long Love of Learning (& Keeping Their Curiosity Alive)
Set Up Your Child's
Life Long Love of Learning (& Keeping Their Curiosity Alive)
We often think that learning and education are the same thing, but understanding the difference can change how you interact with your child - and their future success in navigating the world - both in and out of the classroom
How much importance do you place on a LOVE of
learning?
learning?
5 Key Insights
To Help Set Up Your Child's
Life Long Love of Learning
(& Keeping Their Curiosity Alive)
Life Long Love of Learning
(& Keeping Their Curiosity Alive)
We often think that "learning" and "education" are the same thing, but understanding the difference can change how you interact with your child - and their future success in navigating the world - both in and out of the classroom
Children are born curious. Seemingly before we even blink, they develop into moving and talking creatures with opinions of their own.
But how do we continue to foster that curiosity; that inherent love of learning and how does that change as they get old enough to start school? What does it mean for those considering or are in the process of homeschooling?
In engaging with thousands of parents across the world, here are a few things I've learned:
But how do we continue to foster that curiosity; that inherent love of learning and how does that change as they get old enough to start school? What does it mean for those considering or are in the process of homeschooling?
In engaging with thousands of parents across the world, here are a few things I've learned:
Insight #1
Parents don't believe they are set up to support their child's learning
How on earth can i support my child's learning? Where do I begin? Our schedules are so busy, I'm juggling enough already. Plus, I'm not a teacher... I'm not qualified to do this.
Insight #2
Many parents see learning as something that happens in schools, when in fact learning happens all around us, as part of our daily interactions
We learn a whole lot in our child's first year, although it may seem like we're just hanging on by a thread the entire time. By the time kids begin to exit the toddler years, we're lucky to start transitioning out of survival mode and can perhaps get a full night of sleep!
As our focus moves towards daycare and preschool, a subconscious shift also tends to happen - from child development, to education (by others) and helping our children to acquire knowledge.
A love of learning is grounded in the curiosity that we're all born with. When our children are young, we support them in learning but as they get older, we assume they need someone else - someone with more expertise - to take over as they enter school. After all, we don't have a master's degree in a related topic or a teaching credential, so how could we possibly teach effectively?
If we instead see that our child's curiosity can guide us and our role is more of a connector than a teacher, then we release ourselves of the burden of having to hold all the knowledge - of having to know everything our child needs to know.
And fostering a love of learning outside of school can create a better in-school experience.
As our focus moves towards daycare and preschool, a subconscious shift also tends to happen - from child development, to education (by others) and helping our children to acquire knowledge.
A love of learning is grounded in the curiosity that we're all born with. When our children are young, we support them in learning but as they get older, we assume they need someone else - someone with more expertise - to take over as they enter school. After all, we don't have a master's degree in a related topic or a teaching credential, so how could we possibly teach effectively?
If we instead see that our child's curiosity can guide us and our role is more of a connector than a teacher, then we release ourselves of the burden of having to hold all the knowledge - of having to know everything our child needs to know.
And fostering a love of learning outside of school can create a better in-school experience.
Insight #3
Most every parent would love for their children to intrinsically love learning, but often their actions are counterproductive to that vision
Children are born curious and how we handle that curiosity from an early age can either foster, or hinder, that sometimes relentless desire to experience new things. And to our children - everything is new!
But as luck would have it, even if we're well intentioned, we often get in the way of ourselves. When parents see their child getting interested in a new topic they often jump in with ideas and resources - and the child shuts down. What had once been their idea and their project has become another Teachable Moment and their interest shuts down faster than they can run from the other end of the house when they hear you open a pack of chips.
But as luck would have it, even if we're well intentioned, we often get in the way of ourselves. When parents see their child getting interested in a new topic they often jump in with ideas and resources - and the child shuts down. What had once been their idea and their project has become another Teachable Moment and their interest shuts down faster than they can run from the other end of the house when they hear you open a pack of chips.
Insight #4
Teachers are overworked, classrooms are over capacity and the education system is set up to be more focused on memorization, test preparation, and academic standards rather than your child's intrinsic needs, interests & ideas
Many teachers truly care about their students, and go far above and beyond the job description. But the reality is they have one of the hardest, most under appreciated jobs - and the odds are not in favor of supporting every child's learning, individual needs and development. There will always be kids who do well in a school environment, some that do okay and others that struggle mightily.
The key is to understand that fostering a love of learning and scoring well on tests should not to be confused with the act of learning itself. Teachers are tasked with maintaining order in the classroom and transferring knowledge from textbooks to children's brains. And while many teachers do their best to foster a love of learning, their main job is to get children to retain information with tests and grades being the key indicator of their success.
Fostering a curiosity and love of learning provides a foundation for our children to navigate any challenge they might encounter.
It's the difference between having specific knowledge vs. having the skills and confidence to fill the knowledge gaps that you child is going to run into at some point. Learning and having a love of learning is something that starts at home, and we hope continues not just in the classroom, but beyond.
The key is to understand that fostering a love of learning and scoring well on tests should not to be confused with the act of learning itself. Teachers are tasked with maintaining order in the classroom and transferring knowledge from textbooks to children's brains. And while many teachers do their best to foster a love of learning, their main job is to get children to retain information with tests and grades being the key indicator of their success.
Fostering a curiosity and love of learning provides a foundation for our children to navigate any challenge they might encounter.
It's the difference between having specific knowledge vs. having the skills and confidence to fill the knowledge gaps that you child is going to run into at some point. Learning and having a love of learning is something that starts at home, and we hope continues not just in the classroom, but beyond.
Insight #5
Shifting our expectation as holder of knowledge to being a "guide on the side" unlocks the power of curiosity, creates everyday learning opportunities, and sets a foundation for a life-long love of learning
Once we get over the broad misconception that we have to know everything to support our child's learning, the 'aha' moment comes when we realize we are learning alongside our children. We become better listeners and observers - because children are naturally curious, and begin learning well before they enter school.
We serve more as guides and enablers who help them find answers, draw out deeper questions, facilitate new ideas and develop hypotheses around our children's observations, wonders and actions.
While we experience new things, gain new skills and information, the golden ticket is that our children are experiencing the very process of learning. The bonus is that we're doing it alongside them, enriching ourselves and our relationship with them. This translates into so much more than just knowledge: the skills and relationship to navigate a larger set of challenges ahead.
We serve more as guides and enablers who help them find answers, draw out deeper questions, facilitate new ideas and develop hypotheses around our children's observations, wonders and actions.
While we experience new things, gain new skills and information, the golden ticket is that our children are experiencing the very process of learning. The bonus is that we're doing it alongside them, enriching ourselves and our relationship with them. This translates into so much more than just knowledge: the skills and relationship to navigate a larger set of challenges ahead.
Need help supporting your child's life-long intrinsic love of learning?
Each year I reopen my Learning Membership to help you support your child's love of learning. The 2022/23 Learning Membership Enrollment is now open until Sept. 22! Reserve your spot today & begin Oct. 1st
Children are born curious. Seemingly before we even blink, they develop into moving and talking creatures with opinions of their own.
But how do we continue to foster that curiosity; that inherent love of learning and how does that change as they get old enough to start school? What does it mean for those considering or are in the process of homeschooling?
In engaging with thousands of parents across the world, here are a few things I've learned:
But how do we continue to foster that curiosity; that inherent love of learning and how does that change as they get old enough to start school? What does it mean for those considering or are in the process of homeschooling?
In engaging with thousands of parents across the world, here are a few things I've learned:
Insight #1
Parents don't believe they are set up to support their child's learning
How on earth can i support my child's learning? Where do I begin? Our schedules are so busy, I'm juggling enough already. Plus, I'm not a teacher... I'm not qualified to do this.
Insight #2
Many parents see learning as something that happens in schools, when in fact learning happens all around us, as part of our daily interactions
We learn a whole lot in our child's first year, although it may seem like we're just hanging on by a thread the entire time. By the time kids begin to exit the toddler years, we're lucky to start transitioning out of survival mode and can perhaps get a full night of sleep!
As our focus moves towards daycare and preschool, a subconscious shift also tends to happen - from child development, to education (by others) and helping our children to acquire knowledge.
A love of learning is grounded in the curiosity that we're all born with. When our children are young, we support them in learning but as they get older, we assume they need someone else - someone with more expertise - to take over as they enter school. After all, we don't have a master's degree in a related topic or a teaching credential, so how could we possibly teach effectively?
If we instead see that our child's curiosity can guide us and our role is more of a connector than a teacher, then we release ourselves of the burden of having to hold all the knowledge - of having to know everything our child needs to know.
And fostering a love of learning outside of school can create a better in-school experience.
As our focus moves towards daycare and preschool, a subconscious shift also tends to happen - from child development, to education (by others) and helping our children to acquire knowledge.
A love of learning is grounded in the curiosity that we're all born with. When our children are young, we support them in learning but as they get older, we assume they need someone else - someone with more expertise - to take over as they enter school. After all, we don't have a master's degree in a related topic or a teaching credential, so how could we possibly teach effectively?
If we instead see that our child's curiosity can guide us and our role is more of a connector than a teacher, then we release ourselves of the burden of having to hold all the knowledge - of having to know everything our child needs to know.
And fostering a love of learning outside of school can create a better in-school experience.
Insight #3
Most every parent would love for their children to intrinsically love learning, but often their actions are counterproductive to that vision
Children are born curious and how we handle that curiosity from an early age can either foster, or hinder, that sometimes relentless desire to experience new things. And to our children - everything is new!
But as luck would have it, even if we're well intentioned, we often get in the way of ourselves. When parents see their child getting interested in a new topic they often jump in with ideas and resources - and the child shuts down. What had once been their idea and their project has become another Teachable Moment and their interest shuts down faster than they can run from the other end of the house when they hear you open a pack of chips.
But as luck would have it, even if we're well intentioned, we often get in the way of ourselves. When parents see their child getting interested in a new topic they often jump in with ideas and resources - and the child shuts down. What had once been their idea and their project has become another Teachable Moment and their interest shuts down faster than they can run from the other end of the house when they hear you open a pack of chips.
Insight #4
Teachers are overworked, classrooms are over capacity and the education system is set up to be more focused on memorization, test preparation, and academic standards rather than your child's intrinsic needs, interests & ideas
Many teachers truly care about their students, and go far above and beyond the job description. But the reality is they have one of the hardest, most under appreciated jobs - and the odds are not in favor of supporting every child's learning, individual needs and development. There will always be kids who do well in a school environment, some that do okay and others that struggle mightily.
The key is to understand that fostering a love of learning and scoring well on tests should not to be confused with the act of learning itself. Teachers are tasked with maintaining order in the classroom and transferring knowledge from textbooks to children's brains. And while many teachers do their best to foster a love of learning, their main job is to get children to retain information with tests and grades being the key indicator of their success.
Fostering a curiosity and love of learning provides a foundation for our children to navigate any challenge they might encounter.
It's the difference between having specific knowledge vs. having the skills and confidence to fill the knowledge gaps that you child is going to run into at some point. Learning and having a love of learning is something that starts at home, and we hope continues not just in the classroom, but beyond.
The key is to understand that fostering a love of learning and scoring well on tests should not to be confused with the act of learning itself. Teachers are tasked with maintaining order in the classroom and transferring knowledge from textbooks to children's brains. And while many teachers do their best to foster a love of learning, their main job is to get children to retain information with tests and grades being the key indicator of their success.
Fostering a curiosity and love of learning provides a foundation for our children to navigate any challenge they might encounter.
It's the difference between having specific knowledge vs. having the skills and confidence to fill the knowledge gaps that you child is going to run into at some point. Learning and having a love of learning is something that starts at home, and we hope continues not just in the classroom, but beyond.
Insight #5
Shifting our expectation as holder of knowledge to being a "guide on the side" unlocks the power of curiosity, creates everyday learning opportunities, and sets a foundation for a life-long love of learning
Once we get over the broad misconception that we have to know everything to support our child's learning, the 'aha' moment comes when we realize we are learning alongside our children. We become better listeners and observers - because children are naturally curious, and begin learning well before they enter school.
We serve more as guides and enablers who help them find answers, draw out deeper questions, facilitate new ideas and develop hypotheses around our children's observations, wonders and actions.
While we experience new things, gain new skills and information, the golden ticket is that our children are experiencing the very process of learning. The bonus is that we're doing it alongside them, enriching ourselves and our relationship with them. This translates into so much more than just knowledge: the skills and relationship to navigate a larger set of challenges ahead.
We serve more as guides and enablers who help them find answers, draw out deeper questions, facilitate new ideas and develop hypotheses around our children's observations, wonders and actions.
While we experience new things, gain new skills and information, the golden ticket is that our children are experiencing the very process of learning. The bonus is that we're doing it alongside them, enriching ourselves and our relationship with them. This translates into so much more than just knowledge: the skills and relationship to navigate a larger set of challenges ahead.
Need help supporting your child's life-long intrinsic love of learning?
Each year I reopen my Learning Membership to help you support your child's love of learning and knowledge of how to learn. The 2022/23 Learning Membership is now open for enrollment until Sept. 22! Reserve your spot today and begin Oct. 1.
2022/23 Learning Membership Enrollment Closes this Thurs. Sept. 22
The Learning Membership provides you with the tools, support and confidence to foster your child's intrinsic love of learning, while having fun. The surprise is that it's actually easier than you think.
When I started the Learning Membership, it initially attracted parents who were either thinking about homeschooling or already homeschooling. I'm delighted that the word is out that the Learning Membership is useful for families whose kids are also attending school.
The Learning Membership is open for enrollment only once a year and is suitable to support parents whose children are old enough to ask questions through the end of elementary school.
2022/23 Enrollment closes at midnight PST tonight, Sept. 22! Reserve your spot now & begin Oct. 1st
When I started the Learning Membership, it initially attracted parents who were either thinking about homeschooling or already homeschooling. I'm delighted that the word is out that the Learning Membership is useful for families whose kids are also attending school.
The Learning Membership is open for enrollment only once a year and is suitable to support parents whose children are old enough to ask questions through the end of elementary school.
2022/23 Enrollment closes at midnight PST tonight, Sept. 22! Reserve your spot now & begin Oct. 1st
2022/23 Learning Membership Enrollment Closes this
Thurs. Sept. 22
Thurs. Sept. 22
The Learning Membership provides you with the tools, support and confidence to foster your child's intrinsic love of learning, while having fun. The surprise is that it's actually easier than you think.
When I started the Learning Membership, it initially attracted parents who were either thinking about homeschooling or already homeschooling. I'm delighted that the word is out that the Learning Membership is useful for families whose kids are also attending school.
The Learning Membership is open for enrollment only once a year and is suitable to support parents whose children are old enough to ask questions through the end of elementary school.
2022/23 Enrollment closes at midnight PST tonight, Sept. 22! Reserve your spot now & begin Oct. 1st
When I started the Learning Membership, it initially attracted parents who were either thinking about homeschooling or already homeschooling. I'm delighted that the word is out that the Learning Membership is useful for families whose kids are also attending school.
The Learning Membership is open for enrollment only once a year and is suitable to support parents whose children are old enough to ask questions through the end of elementary school.
2022/23 Enrollment closes at midnight PST tonight, Sept. 22! Reserve your spot now & begin Oct. 1st
The 2022/23 Learning Membership
Support your child's intrinsic love of learning. Suitable for children old enough to ask questions through the end of elementary school.
Enrollment Closes at Midnight PST Tonight, Thurs. Sept. 22!
Reserve Now | Begin Oct. 1
Reserve Now | Begin Oct. 1
The 2022/23
Learning Membership
Learning Membership
Support your child's intrinsic love of learning. Suitable for children old enough to ask questions through the end of elementary school.
Enrollment Closes at Midnight PST Tonight, Thurs. Sept. 22!
Reserve Now | Begin Oct. 1
Reserve Now | Begin Oct. 1
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Your Parenting Mojo acknowledges the Lisjan Ohlone people, the rightful stewards of the land on which we live and work. While the Lisjan Ohlone people can never be fully compensated for the harms that the legacy of colonialism has wrought, we pay the Shuumi Land Tax as recognition that more than words are needed, and we encourage others to engage meaningfully (including financially) with their local Indigenous communities.