Funny Imagination...
“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds…” ~ Plato
I recently read this beautiful quote by Plato and it instantly took me back to my elementary school days, particularly 2nd grade. . The ONLY teacher I remember from those years is Miss Rita, my Hindi language teacher. Not only did she do a great job at teaching the language (I am still very fluent in reading and writing Hindi, some 30 plus years later!), but what I remember most about her was how amusing and creative she was during our lessons. For instance, if she was using the word "clever" in a sentence, she would say, "the clever bird sat in her new car with her family and went to the beach for a picnic!" Miss Rita’s simple yet FUN examples allowed us to learn through laughter! Because of her unique teaching approach, Miss Rita became very popular amongst the children who would jump for joy if they were lucky enough to have Miss Rita as their language teacher. Her delivery was all about humor and imagination, the two things that children connect with easily!
By creating a platform of humor and imagination, the message that you are trying to deliver to your children will be received openly, absorbed mindfully and retained beneficially! Children of any age learn better when the learning platform is soft and loving. Below are a couple of examples that might get your funny, imaginative parenting juices flowing:
Instead of the formal approach: “PICK UP YOUR TOYS”
Try the FUN approach: "You might want to pick up your toys and put them in the toy box so that they can be well rested for you to play with them tomorrow!"
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| Wouldn't you rather have this? |
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| Do you REALLY want this reaction? |
FUN: "Please finish your vegetables before they grow legs and escape to the neighbors house where they feel LOVED!"
Humor and Imagination are two powerful TOGs that help keep emotions light and balanced, yet accomplish the task at hand! Isn't that the goal? Remember, emotionally intelligent parents raise emotionally balanced children that are happier AND do better in school! Check out the research!
Just for fun, here's a video that Skyler made with nothing but a wild imagination and a PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH! In Joy!
