Learning is not something that is done just at school, nor is teaching. I believe parents should play a big part in helping their children learn everything from math, to science to reading to spelling and grammar.

I know we are all busy with keeping our lives going, but if you leave your child’s education solely to their teachers you are shorting your child.

This doesn’t mean you have to sit down and explore algebra or embark on some physics exploration of gravity (although why not?) You can easily incorporate learning into your everyday.

No matter how old your child – be they two or 15, the opportunity to learn is all around.

Just the other day Caidin asked me to make him Lentil Barley soup. Always up for a nice soup, I was happy to set about making it. As I looked at the recipe it called for 14 cups of water. I grabbed my largest measuring cup, noticing that it holds four cups. I asked Caidin to join me in the kitchen.

When he arrived I explained to him that I really needed some help. The problem was that the recipe called for 14 cups of water and my measuring cup only holds four. I told him ‘I have to figure out how many of the four cup measuring cups I need, to make 14 cups.’ I then asked him if he could figure it out for me.

‘Sure,’ he said. He proceeded to dance around the kitchen, eyes moving from one direction to the other (signs of his mental calculation) and then he said ‘You need three of those, plus two extra cups, because three sets of four equals 12 cups but you need 14.’

‘Great,’ I said, ‘and thank you for helping me with that.’ ‘No problem’ he said and he disappeared quickly into the other room.

These opportunities are all around. Especially if you can phrase the opportunity as ‘help’. Children want to help us. For younger children you can have them help you read a sign, or spell a word, for older kids ask them to measure out the ingredients for a recipe or figure out how much money you should bring with you to the movies based on ticket prices and snacks.

When Caidin was little, spelling, math, color and shape recognition all played a big part of our everyday. They were ‘keep busy’ activities on the subway or while we were walking.

We still play ‘The Spelling Game’ when we are driving. Another favorite game we still play from time to time is ‘The Quite Game’ which not only offers some much needed silence at times, but it also teaches Caidin to go within and remain silent for longer than two seconds.

Look for ways to support your child’s learning in the everyday, they are numerous and all around you. It doesn’t take planning or extra time, the opportunities are right there in the things you do every day.

 

 

Want a FREE Reading? Special limited time competwition. Christine is giving away two free 30 minute readings where she will help you gain deeper insight into who your child is, what their life lessons are and how these lessons show up in their lives. This is not about telling their future, but rather about giving you invaluable information that will help you parent consciously whether your pregnant or you child is 25. To enter please visit Competwition.

Become a member of  The Conscious Mom’s Guide for free. Join a growing group of parents looking for insight, guidance and support in parenting consciously.

© 2012 Christine Agro

Have questions about your child or need support? Christine offers private readings as well as on-line support at The Consicous Mom’s Guide

Christine Agro is a spiritual teacher, clairvoyant, naturopath, Master Herbalist, conscious mom and author of 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously as well as of The Conscious Living Wisdom Cards (Special Moms’ Edition). Christine is founder of The Conscious Mom’s Guide , a membership site where she helps support you on your own journey of living life consciously and on your journey of being a Conscious parent. You can also join Christine on Facebook. To contact Christine, invite her to speak or to schedule an appointment with her please email her.

More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad