Welcome to the series designed to help you build the best foundation for your child. If you are just joining us, you may want to start here.
We were last discussing the importance of training. Training is absolutely vital.
However, all the training in the world will not matter if your child is not going to fit into that program.
My philosophy is that EVERY child is born with the potential for greatness.
The difficult thing is finding the key to tap into that greatness.
What would have happened if Muhammad Ali had been raised in a family that practices yoga daily?
How different would he be if he was raised in a pacifist family?
Honestly, I do not know much about his home life, except that a police officer saw his potential – when Muhammad Ali became upset because someone stole his bicycle – at the age of 12.
But, regardless of his home life, he was fortunate enough to grow into his potential.
I believe every child can be amazing at something, if someone can tap their potential.
Finding a good program for your child requires finding the right fit for your child.
The good news?
Most of the work in your search for the best program can be done long before you pick up a phone and start calling.
The bad news?
There is no simple formula to finding the best fit for your child.
But, to end on a positive note, the good news is that it will be an amazing experience.
Watch your child.
Take notes.
Ask questions.
Think about each day.
Does your child do better on days when there is a consistent schedule? Does your child seem to do better when they have the freedom to explore on their own? Does your child love to listen to you tell stories? Do you have show your child the pictures when you are reading?
Does your child explore on his/her own when given something to play with? Does your child explore more when you ask questions?
I do have to mention one very important side note here:
Make sure you are paying attention to your child’s cues and not your own.
Personally, I do better with structure. I feel better when my family follows a routine. Things seem to go more smoothly when we are on schedule. It is really easy for me to come to the conclusion that routines are important for my family.
However, the truth is that my daughter does not need a routine.
She can explore and explore and never get tired. She can wake up at 7am or she can wake up at 10am and there is little difference in her day.
My son, on the other hand, needs structure.
In fact, he is often my alarm clock.
If it is naptime, he falls asleep.
No matter where we are.
So, pay attention to your child. Then compare your notes to the programs you are considering.
Does the program require all the children to participate in the same activities?
Does the program follow a strict schedule?
There are so many different philosophies and approaches in different programs….
We can go into those next…..
Until then, spend time watching your child.
Let me know what you discover!
Tags: child care, daycare, Education, learning
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