Dear Parents;
To begin, I'd like to share with you a letter written by a principal in Singapore that provides insights into understanding our children and the factors contributing to their success or lack thereof. You can access and listen to the letter by clicking on the link.
“The exams of your children are to start soon. I know you are all really anxious for your child to do well.
But, please do remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist who doesn't need to understand Math... There is an entrepreneur who doesn't care about History or English literature... There is a musician whose Chemistry marks won't matter... There's an athlete... whose physical fitness is more important than Physics... If your child does get top marks, that's great! But if he or she doesn't... please don't take away their self-confidence and dignity from them. Tell them it's OK, it's just an exam! They are cut out for much bigger things in life. Tell them, no matter what they score... you love them and will not judge them.
Please do this, and when you do...watch your children conquer the world. One exam or a low mark won't take away...their dreams and talent. And please, do not think that doctors and engineers... are the only happy people in the world.
With warm Regards”
I hope this can serve as a guiding principle for us.
What are the responsibilities?
As parents, both you and your children have put in your best efforts throughout the year. We must acknowledge and embrace our children's achievements with love and warmth. Now, our attention turns towards preparing them for the future and the upcoming year. This is where the summer holiday provides parents with an incredible opportunity to strengthen their children's bond. It's an investment in their future. Building a powerful relationship with our children is not only crucial for their overall growth and well-being, but it also builds trust and forms the foundation of a healthy parent-child connection. From the perspective of self-determination, this positive bond plays a crucial role in promoting their competence, autonomy, and sense of belonging, which are all vital for nurturing resilient and thriving individuals. Let's not forget that discovering their strengths is essential in motivating our children and supporting their success.
This summer, let's dedicate quality time to be with our children, truly understanding and exploring their strengths while strengthening our relationships. It requires a conscious effort to set aside the entire summer break to engage in activities that genuinely interest them, such as playing outdoor games, going on nature walks, or exploring new hobbies together. Actively listening to our children is another crucial factor in fostering strong relationships.
Furthermore, as an investment, we can support our children's autonomy and competence. By granting them the freedom to make decisions and take responsibility for certain aspects of their summer break, we empower them to develop autonomy and competence while nurturing their individuality. It's important to encourage them to pursue their passions and interests, even if they differ from ours, as it allows them to cultivate their unique identities.
Remember, the summer holiday is not just a break from school but a valuable time to establish profound connections with our children. By investing in developing a powerful relationship with our children, we are laying the foundation for their overall well-being and nurturing their growth into confident, independent, and resilient individuals.
Therefore, as dedicated parents, let's be proactive and actively cultivate strong relationships with our children first. This will genuinely contribute to their future and the well-being of future generations.