The Thing We Struggled As A Child

The thing that we struggled with as a child, can become our strengths as adults as we grow. But the challenge is, are we teaching children to be themselves or just like everybody else? 

Not every child is lively and bubbly, and not every child is quiet and reserved. They are all different in their unique way. 

The child who seems to not sit quietly in class and is always looking for trouble will probably be classified with ADHD. And the quiet and more shy child whose kinda invincible, will probably be looked at as someone who’s not understanding what’s going on during the lessons.

In the corporate world, there are discussions on culture and well-being in the workplace. It’s about how businesses can create an environment in which employees with different work styles can come to work and thrive as themselves. 

I believe those things are important. But I believe that it is also important that we give the same thoughts to children in school. 

Is the current educational system built in which each child can thrive at their natural best?

Is the current educational system teaching children skills beyond the subjects we know such as creativity, innovation, empathy, and teamwork? 

Imagine what our world would be like if we focused on each child's curiosity, cultivated their creativity, and instilled a love for learning.

Imagine what our world would be like if we focused on double down on each child’s strengths instead of trying to “fix” their weaknesses? Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with being aware of one's weaknesses. But it shouldn’t be used to destroy a kid’s confidence. That’s why teams exist.

Each child learns differently, acts differently, and sees things differently. They are delicate beings. We need to be curious about them, and not judgemental. We need to listen to them, and let them speak their mind.

Instead of boxing them in to be the same. We need to start seeing each child, as a unique individual with an amazing capacity to do great things. It’s a difficult task, but it will feel worth it in the long run. 

As Alexander Den Heijer put it: “You don’t inspire people by revealing your super powers; you inspire people by helping them reveal their own super powers.” 

Children are the future leaders of tomorrow.