Engaging your Child through Holisitic Education

Kids reading a book

In this fast-paced society of ours it is important for an individual to be able to perform well in many different aspects. Gone are the days where only excellent academic results and a high IQ are able to see you through your adulthood. Nowadays EQ (Emotional Quotient) matters more than IQ. One is expected  to have good  academic results, relate well to others, be hands on, physically fit and have an understanding and appreciation for the Arts. In short, an ‘all-arounder’.

It seems a tall order for any parent to achieve with their children. Now, not only do we need to be concerned about their academic development but also how they relate with their peers (EQ) in addition to their cognitive development and physical development.

How do we help to foster our kids’ develop physical robustness, enhance their creative and expressive capacities, as well as shape their personal, cultural and social identity? Is it really possible? Will our children be overburdened?

As a parent of three I understand that it is quite difficult to have enough time to spend with each kid one on one  to develop them holistically. Each child has different needs and learning patterns. Something that works for one child may not work as well with another. How then do we as parents ensure the holistic development of your children?

Here are some tips based on personal experience on how I develop my kids holistically.

  1. Engage them in  physical family games.
    Certain games like catch or playing with a frisbee makes for a lot of entertainment and physical activity for a child. Not only must he be able  to run around he, too, must use his analytical skills in planning where to hide or where to stand so that he will be able to catch the frisbee when it flies within range.
  2. Introduce them to GOD
    Building up children’s spirituality at an early age by introducing them to your chosen religion will help to give them good grounding in morals and values. This will help them understand more about their thought process and give them the stability and peace that they need.
  3. Encourage Free Play
    Having rules all the time can be really stifling for kids. They need to have the opportunity to think out of the box, try out new ideas and show their creativity. This will make them more hands on and ready to face the challenges that they may have in the future.
  4. Provide a variety of music for them to listen to and bring them out to museums/ cultural centres.
    What better way to know about the arts and culture then to live them. I have found that by immersing my kids and introducing them to a wide variety of music (local and foreign) and visiting places during the yearly art festival they have a better understanding of the arts.

How do you engage your child through holistic education?



Dominique Goh is a Singaporean elementary school teacher, professional blogger, freelance website designer and mom to three. She blogs regularly about her family and parenting at Dominique’s Desk.



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