More than anything I want my children to realise that they are in charge of what they learn throughout their lives. That learning and academics do not have to stop once you reach 18 (or finish university if that is their route).

I want my children to see learning as lifelong providing they put their time and effort into it. They can study a topic, be passionate about it and become an expert on it without ever having to take an exam, if they so wish. Just because.

A hobby can be a hobby or become a career and visa versa and not all careers need certificates. I want my kids to understand the difference between this and utilising qualifications if it will help in some way. However, none of that matters if they forget the real life lessons they learned right at the start as an infant. Love, kindness, compassion and respect.

I always hoped that they would see learning as a fun challenge that doesn’t have to fit in a Subject box…but honestly, I think my children join the masses in opinions on anything that resembles “School Work” so I have my work cut out convincing them that “Learning” as a word doesn’t equal tedious misery.

In order to get where they want to or what they want from life I help them to take responsibility for themselves. Showing them that in order to gain knowledge in the future, they don’t need to wait to be told. They can always ask for help or contact someone who is passionate about sharing what they do and ask to be shown or work along side for a time. They can read a book or take a course or surf the net. Or they can figure it out themselves using good old common sense, trial and error.

I hope my children are never limited by a lack of belief in their abilities and never underestimate the boundless potential within themselves.

© 2024 Juliette Proffitt