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This week's feature is the third of three highlights from our learning from Dr. Michael Thompson’s recent visit. Be sure to click on the links for further resources and reading!
The Pressured Child: Helping our kids find success in school and life
Dr. Thompson’s talk at Salisbury Academy was largely drawn from his own research and his book, The Pressured Child: Freeing Our Kids from Performance Overdrive and Helping Them Find Success in School and Life. Although first published in 2005, its theme is timeless and its insights still feel fresh! Dr. Thompson compassionately and humbly reminded parents and teachers that growing up is about the journey, and that school experiences are more than just academic.
Remarks that resonated...
- "School is not about preparation for life. Children are living their lives right now."
- "School is not a race, it is not a competition, and it is not a contest. It is not about prizes at graduation.”
- "It is not about a report card. School is not a level playing field."
- "School is about three things: development, survival, and fit."
- “Kids are almost never measuring themselves by grades: they are monitoring their own development and constantly searching for three things: connection, recognition, and a sense of power (mastery).”
For Parents: Good parenting is hard, scary, and there are obstacles. When parents manage their own fears and trust their child's development, a healthy philosophy for school can develop. The Chicago Tribune had this to say about Dr. Thompson’s book, “A wake-up call for parents who push kids to succeed…an insightful book that any parent with kids in middle school or high school should read.” To order the book, click here. Other resources are here.
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