Part 1: teenagers. | Part 2: parents and teachers

Part 1: In everything that has been happening in the world this year, along with the added emotional toll we have been managing, there is one key element that can help us to streamline our decision process amidst the natural chaos that surrounds us. If we organically have less to choose from, there is less to think about. “Less is more” does not means owning less or having less. It means choosing only that which brings you joy and genuine learning. A year for filtering, a year for getting clear on matters by getting rid of everything that doesn’t. A year of knowing the more you have means the more occupied you are and the less you have the more you are free. Wishing a Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate this festival. 

Part 2: What can we do to promote a family and educational environment that welcomes, motivates and encourages?

First, get to know ourselves, how we handle information and how we transfer it. Do you know your predominant representational system and why is it important? It would also help us to be aware of what our beliefs are regarding learning to be aware of our expectations. And finally, do we know what fears and frustrations we transmit? Although we do not express them consciously, they may underlie our words and emotions: “You should … you are a …. You always… or never…” Are you aware of these types of statements or qualifications?

As teachers we have a program to follow and as parents we want to give our children the best. In these moments, remind ourselves of what really has value, knowing that we need to feel safe, cover our physical and emotional needs, feel valued and recognized, all that can be achieved on many occasions with a look and a kind word, with much less, and yet, in the long run, it means much more.