Those tiny hands clasped in yours, the unwavering trust in their bright innocence & exploring eyes – it’s a feeling unlike any other.
As parents of young children, our primary instinct is naturally to shield them, to create a safe and loving bubble where no harm can touch them. Our hearts overflow with fierce love and an innate desire to protect our little ones from every bump, bruise, and disappointment the world might throw their way.
So, we carefully curate their environments, anticipate their needs, and often step in before they stumble. But in our earnest desire to protect, are we inadvertently hindering their ability to develop well & grow strong?
THIS ISN’T A JUDGMENT, DEAR PARENTS. IT’S A GENTLE NUDGE TO PONDER A CRUCIAL QUESTION:
ARE WE PRIORITIZING PROTECTION OVER THE SKILLS THEY NEED TO NAVIGATE THE WORLD?
Think about it. How often do we:
- Immediately solve a puzzle for them when they show the slightest frustration?
- Prevent them from climbing a low wall out of fear of a scrape?
- Speak for them when they hesitate to voice their needs.
While these actions stem from love, they can unintentionally send a message: “You can’t handle this. It’s too difficult. I’ll do it for you.” And slowly, subtly, we might be chipping away at their core ability’s development & their burgeoning sense of competence and resilience.
STRENGTH ISN’T THE ABSENCE OF STRUGGLE; IT’S THE ABILITY TO NAVIGATE IT!
It’s about learning from mistakes, bouncing back from setbacks, and developing the confidence to try new things, even if there’s a chance of failure.
Imagine a sapling. If we constantly shield it from the wind and rain, providing it with an artificially perfect environment, will it grow into a mighty oak capable of weathering storms? Or will it remain fragile, dependent on our constant care?
Our children are like those saplings. They need development nudges – i.e., opportunities to:
- Face small challenges and overcome them: The triumphant grin after finally fitting that puzzle piece, the pride in reaching the top of the small slide, the broad smile when they climb a small hillock – these build inner strength.
- Experience manageable risks: A scraped knee or even a small scratch from exploring the garden or even a slight outdoor fall – teaches them about their physical limits and the importance of caution.
- Practice problem-solving: Letting them figure out how to unravel a knot, share a toy, or resolve a minor disagreement fosters critical thinking and social skills.
- Develop their voice: Encouraging them to express their needs and opinions and trying to persuade a friend – even if it takes time and patience, builds confidence and assertiveness.
SO, HOW DO WE FIND THE BALANCE?
Of course, this isn’t about throwing caution to the wind!
Our role as protectors is vital, especially for younger children. It’s about finding that delicate balance between shielding them from genuine harm and allowing them the space to learn, grow, and develop the inner strength they need to thrive.
So it’s certainly not about abandoning protection altogether.
It’s about evolving our approach:
- Be a safety net, not a shield: Be there to offer support and guidance, but allow them the space to try and sometimes fail.
Let’s remember: failures can be stepping stones to success.
- Encourage effort over outcome: Praise their persistence and hard work, regardless of whether they achieve immediate success. This is important!
- Ask open-ended questions: Instead of jumping in with solutions, prompt them to think for themselves (“What else could you try?”) (if you had to climb this again – would you have done this differently)
- Model resilience: Encourage & show them how you handle challenges and learn from your mistakes. Accept your own mistakes publicly – so they can know that it’s okay to make a mistake as well sometimes.
PARENTING IS A CONSTANT LEARNING CURVE 😊 a delicate dance between keeping our little ones safe and empowering them to become capable, resilient individuals. Let’s strive to be the gardeners who nurture strong roots, allowing our children to blossom into the magnificent beings they are meant to be, ready to face the world with courage and confidence.
What are your thoughts on this? How do you find the balance between protecting and strengthening your young children? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below – let’s learn from each other!
So maybe we should ask ourselves these important questions:
- Am I stepping in because my child is truly in danger or because I feel uncomfortable seeing them struggle?
- Am I teaching them how to solve problems, or am I always providing the solutions?
- Am I fostering their independence or doing too much for them?
It’s a new world, so we must carefully reevaluate old models or our natural intuitive protective thinking – as the FUTURE WILL BE RADICALLY DIFFERENT.
What are your thoughts, fellow Gurugram parents? Have you reflected on this key point or grappled with this key decision – crucial in our fast-changing world?
Do share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
We hope this helps you, dear parent!
Meanwhile, enjoy developing your child at a good neighborhood school, home and outdoors.
There are some great parks/green spots/sports fields near at as well near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighborhood, for encouraging physical activity – the seeds of any sports – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31
- Sector40
- Sushant Lok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air, too.
Why – the Sixth Element School?
The Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – crucial for children’s development – as we nurture and prepare them for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in the school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done to instill values & character building:
- Instill values: Understanding differences between right and wrong is often discussed in its many facets. Discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and community service and fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility.
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW, we are a uniform school), upcycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rainwater harvesting, recycling, etc.
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher, helps build self-esteem. Students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience by setting and achieving goals.
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT’ School’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green, airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory where children learn experimentally about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning and nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become successful individuals and equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes to lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low-density, impactful format.
The reason why we chose the Cambridge International curriculum is that the blend of teacher-directed as well as learner-self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – whether based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 20 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon’ activities enriched’ daycare centres are unique, exclusive, compact neighborhood green campuses – where many outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) occur with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only two sections per class grade – and minimal children on campus allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high-quality, committed teachers – the backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the proper methods and practices. For example, our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with fit Kids, our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches gives our school kids a great foundational fitness start.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULUM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLLOUT IN INDIA NOW.
So, in line with some of India’s top and the best globally, we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
the Sixth Element School
the schoolchildren love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
Limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single-section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
