You cannot force a child to learn…

I’m working on sharing ideas with pictures right now – I know it gets boring wading through print all the time!

Here’s my latest thought:

It’s something that most people never think about, as they threaten dire consequences to force kids to learn with sayings like; you’ll never have a life if you don’t do exams, or; you’ll fail in life if you don’t do your school work, or; if you don’t learn this now you’ll never have another chance. All complete balderdash – I’ve seen the opposite happen!

And anyway threats like this don’t work because, although children may be giving the impression of taking it in, it’s absolutely true that:

All you can do is provide the right environment, nourishment and encouragement; physical, mental and spiritual, give their roots and limbs room and time to expand and grow and connect, and let go….

6 thoughts on “You cannot force a child to learn…”

Love it, the words and the picture 🙂

Yep, that idea that there’s just one chance and if you don’t get it then, well, you’re doomed, so sad. And what our children might actually be learning from force – maybe distrust, fear, a sense of inadequacy and so on, not what was likely intended and not what any of us want. Thanks for sharing, Ross.