Lower School Division News: Nov. 14, 2024

By Dr. Debra Sass, Lower School Division Head

Dear parents and families,

Every stage in the dynamic journey of childhood presents a new learning opportunity. As young minds navigate life’s complexities, they inevitably experience failures and setbacks that influence their self-perception and worldview. The key to fostering resilient children isn’t solely about protecting them from disappointments; it’s about equipping them to bounce back from failures with enhanced strength and determination. A child cannot learn and grow from their mistakes if the parents don’t allow them to feel the discomfort of suffering the consequences of their actions.

Most children need to make a lot more mistakes while they’re young, and the consequences for those mistakes are small. We all know that the cost of making bad decisions grows with age. One mother said it this way, “Far better that my child totals her tricycle when she’s little. If I protect her from that, she’ll be more likely to total the family car when she’s a teenager.” Every childhood mistake can be a learning experience provided there is no rescue from the consequences. Jim Fay (Love and Logic) suggests that when mistakes are handled with empathy and consequences, children develop an internal voice that says, “I wonder how my next decision will affect me?” When parents do all the thinking, they rob their children of the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. They are also sending the message that their children are not capable of figuring things out for themselves. When children learn to do the thinking, and learn from their mistakes, they are building character, strength, and confidence.

However, this is not an absolute. This does not apply when it has to do with the loss of life or limb. In these situations, parents must interfere. Of course there are other extreme situations as well. It really doesn’t hurt to rescue a child who is respectful, appreciative, and responsible. It can actually help caregivers reinforce relationships in these cases. On the other hand, rescuing a demanding, unappreciative, and irresponsible person does nothing to reinforce the relationship and only reinforces irresponsibility. 

Navigating the terrain of childhood mistakes requires a balanced and nurturing approach. By reframing mistakes as valuable learning opportunities, parents are actually helping their children. Encouraging open discussions about mistakes, whether personal or observed in others, fosters a positive atmosphere where errors are not a source of shame but stepping-stones toward growth. Emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and exploring alternative solutions empowers children to tackle challenges with newfound determination. A parent’s role extends beyond shielding their children from mistakes; it encompasses guiding them through these experiences, equipping them with essential life skills that pave the way for a resilient and confident journey into adulthood. In fact, John Maxwell described the difference between average people and achieving people as their perception of and response to failure. 

Progress not perfection,

Dr. Debra Sass

A LOOK AHEAD 

Mon. November 18 - Fri. November 22 - Literati Book Fair, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Thursday, November 21 - Admission Coffee & Tour, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Tell a friend!

Friday, November 22 - Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Lower School: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

RSVP YOUR GUEST HERE

Friday, November 22 - Lower School Choir Concert, 11 - 11:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Randall K. Murphy Theater in the N. Best Center for the Arts

Saturday, November 16 - AURORA BIENNIAL 2024: FuturePresentPast

The largest free art event in Dallas is BACK this Saturday, November 16! The AURORA Biennial transforms Dallas into an expansive outdoor art experience, with art by regional and international artists. Get ready to experience large scale video projections, performances, interactive art, and more!

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.

Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St.

Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break

Sunday, December 1 - TUITION ASSISTANCE APPLICATION CLOSES

For current families

Monday, December 2 - Classes Resume

Wednesday, December 4 - PTO General Meeting, 8:15 a.m.

LOCATION: Board Room

Friday, December 6 - PTO Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10 - Ornament Workshop, 3:30 - 5 p.m.

$10 per parent/student team for supplies

RSVP to [email protected]

Space is limited, so RSVP early!