When we focus on our kids’ learning process over their final product, we can take steps to help them overcome hurdles.
In our daily lives, there is a premium on product or getting things done. Whether it is chores, homework, or getting
When we focus on our kids’ learning process over their final product, we can take steps to help them overcome hurdles.
In our daily lives, there is a premium on product or getting things done. Whether it is chores, homework, or getting to places on time, executing tasks is highly prized. In the immediate, there is a sense of gratification and some relief that it can be checked off the list. Each hurdle cleared can offer a sense of accomplishment as a parent, teacher, or child.
Many parents rely on checklists, rewards, and punishments to encourage their children to get things done. This is a common approach and may mirror how we, as adults, support ourselves to meet our own commitments. However, children are emerging in their development and ability to get things done. There are many steps in learning to dress oneself, ride a bike, or read. Focusing on the completion of a task may lead one to miss a challenge that is getting in the way of the process. It is therefore important to shift the focus from emphasizing product or outcome to considering the smaller steps or the “process.”
There are four lenses that can be used to bring to light where process challenges may be getting in the way. Once identified, it is easier for you to align with your child to support them so that they, feeling your support, can build their foundation for success! These four lenses look at health, sensory/sensation and the coordination between sensation and movement, emotions/feelings/memories and thinking. To illustrate the contribution of each of these aspects, let’s look at what it takes to learn to read.
First, we look at health. Feeling up to the task is essential to tackling any c