What if We Trusted?

Aren’t bird nests amazing?

Until recently, we assumed nest building ability in birds was innate, an instinct that needed no lessons. But recent observations have uncovered other factors that go into a bird’s skill in building a nest. Some learn from their own success raising chicks in a specific nest, using the same materials to replicate and enhancing what didn’t work as well. Some adapt totally to the materials around them, changing blueprints for every nest. Others still have been observed to watch more experienced birds and emulate their next building tactics.

There are just as many learning theories for children. What if, though, instead of trying to figure out the best way to teach so our children will learn, we looked at and believed in their instinct to learn?

What if we believed that children have an innate ability for success, and when it is left mostly undisturbed, that it can support further trouble shooting, adaptation and social learning, just like the birds.

What if we believed that with LESS adult influence, interference and prodding, our children will develop ways of learning that work for them because they were born to learn?

What if we stepped back when we introduce children to new concepts and information, allowing them to show us how they’ll best interpret and integrate these new ideas into their life?

What if we trusted them more, and worried less?

I am not advocating for a totally hands off education. What I AM advocating is for an education that trusts the child, understands child development, is created from needs and not checklists, and grows from a place of support and the removal of hindrances instead from a place of adult fear.

Children can do this, and we can trust them to show us what is needed when we are open to seeing what it is they are sharing.

And what if, when there are struggles in our children that need specific attention, we find the correct support and recognize the gifts within the struggle?

What if we also trusted OURSELVES more, trusted in our ability to raise and support caring, capable and intelligent human beings?

What if…?