St. Patty's Day Saturday at The Wonder Studio

A sense of Agency.

Every experience at The Wonder Studio is carefully thought out and designed to encourage this sense in your child.

 It's one of the most important dispositions to encourage in your young child.

Children with a strong sense of "Agency" believe that they are capable, they believe that if they try something, eventually, even after setbacks, they will be able to do it... 

 These "setbacks" are critical to a young child's healthy development.

 Too often, we rush in to save our children (or students) from having setbacks.

Every parent struggles with seeing their child in pain or frustrated or about to give up.

 But pain, frustration, and surrendering are key elements to the human spirit.  

Your child can begin to practice those skills now as a young child and by the time they are 16, 17 have many coping mechanisms available to them...OR...

 They start learning those skills when they go off to college... without you there, to be the pillow they land on.

 When children are exposed to experiences that are of interest to them, they show longer attention spans and more willingness to keep trying in the midst of frustration.

 It's up to us parents and teachers to find those experiences that allow your children to practice those skills.

 Letting go (or waiting until children are older) of those "activities" where there is only one right way to do it...
Things like organized sports, flashcards, Crafts, and worksheets do not encourage independence, creativity, or thinking.

Don't get me wrong...Teaching a child a skill is very important!  In looking above, I see...Opportunity to work with your child on a method to hold a hammer and aim for a nail.  Helping your child to learn about safety by explaining why they must wear safety goggles.
But...
We instill a sense of Agency by not telling them where to put the nail. And once they get the hang of it, take a step back and observe their method and way of thinking.

When children have daily experiences to play around, to tinker, to imagine, to struggle, to fail, and initiate their own ideas...
And...
Have the support and genuine interest of a trusted adult...
They grow up to feel they are truly capable people.  

They will understand that they will not always get it perfect, they won't always have the easy road...
But...
With some hard work, they will be able to reach their goals.

I know many folks who simply wish for their children to be happy when they are adults.

And I do too!
But...
How can a person understand happiness without ever experiencing true sadness and defeat?