Between the rapid rhythm of life, the change of the requirements of the labor market and the development of digital technology constantly, the raising of children is greatly affected and the pressure of some parents exerts on their children, which was the reason for the emergence of a new philosophy in education, which is “slow education”.
But what is the slow paternity approach? How does the slowdown in education affect the lives of our children?
A opposite philosophy of excessive paternity
Initially, the psychologist, Anna Matur in her article on the “Jude To” website, indicates that slow education is an approach that seeks to slow the pace of feverish daily life, and to enhance conscious paternity and maternity by retreating some steps back and abandoning the pressure of excessive schedule.
She added that slow education focuses on the quality of time allocated to children instead of quantity, and gives priority to unorganized play with a focus on the quality of family interactions and emotional luxury for children.
Although slow education is not a modern concept, but perhaps the rule in the upbringing of previous generations, it flourished recently as an alternative approach in education, presented by the Canadian author, Karl Honori in his 2008 book entitled “Under pressure: Save our children from the culture of excessive paternity”, where he wrote: “Slow education means allowing our children to discover their self We want, it means to let things happen instead of excessive intervention and imposition. “
Honori explains to the “Momings Adai” website that slow education does not mean slowdown or neglecting children as much as it means doing everything at the right speed and in a balanced manner by enhancing free toys led by children without strict time schedules, and allowing them to grow their own pottery and interact naturally with the world around them.
It differs from lenient education
According to the “Bernz” website, slow education for parents is an opportunity to reduce psychological pressure and take a break from the requirements of modern education and the pressure of high achievements, as well as liberating themselves from comparison pressure and re -discovering the pleasure of presence and communication with their children.
However, experts emphasize the importance of distinguishing between slow education and lenient education, as slow education gives priority to communication and sets boundaries based on love, while lenient education lacks structuralism and discipline, which may feel stability and insecurity.
The benefits of slow education
Unlike traditional education methods that raise academic achievement, slow education appreciates experimental learning, creativity and flexibility and gives children freedom of exploration and committing errors, so free play is an integral part of the child’s routine in slow education, and its benefits:
The discovery of the world: Slow education for children allows the freedom to play independent or demonstrating, or go on a picnic in nature, which satisfies their curiosity and gives them freedom of exploration and a tendency to observe and ask more questions, and in its report for the year 2018 “Play Force: The role of pediatrics in promoting growth in children”, the American Academy of Pediatrics highlighted the importance of free play in developing social, cognitive and emotional skills and its role in promoting the skills of the 21st century needed for success, such as a solution Problems, cooperation and creativity, as well as indicated his role in mastering the skills of risk management.
Enhancing self -confidence: Children who are not subjected to pressure to meet expectations all the time acquires the skills of flexibility and problem solving, and their confidence in themselves is strengthened, and this is what a study conducted by researchers at the American University of Pace in 2022, as the study after discussing the data of 151 students from various American universities reached that high parents’ expectations expose children to the risk of fear of judgments and low self -esteem and self -confidence.
Development of interests: When children have more unorganized time and take care of the initiative, they are free to explore their real interests such as art, music or sports, just for fun and feel support, understanding and enjoyment.
Development of communication skills: Slow education gives priority to open conversations and meditation, which helps children feel more comfortable in discussing their feelings and developing their communication skills.
Promoting independence: Slow education provides a supportive environment for adolescents to learn decision -making skills, assume responsibilities, and deal with difficulties in a tension -free environment, unlike excessive parents in care.
Enhancing family links: When parents allow their children, regardless of their ages, to choose the activities and experiences they want to practice, this naturally enhances the parents ’relationship with the child and puts the basis for a healthy and permanent relationship and creates meaningful memories that last over time.
Slow education downsides
Despite the many benefits achieved by slow education, it may not fit everyone as is the case with any educational method, as some parents may see it as a lenient or unorganized approach, especially if they sanctify the tangible success and consider it necessary or appreciate the spirit of competition and material achievement such as mathematical awards and excellent grades.
How to be “slow” parents?
You can apply a slow education philosophy to deal with your children or rely on some of its aspects through these practices:
Let your children explore their own banner: Your child may show football skills, but this does not mean that he is ready to join a team yet, so avoid pressing him to participate unless he is interested and enthusiastic about the experience.
Accept boredom: When your child feels bored, do not think about immediate solutions and do not try to save him with a list of coordinated activities, and let him unleash his creativity and intelligence and will surprise you with his ability to occupy his time and create new games.
Reduce the screen time: Psychological treatment, Dr. Nadia Timurian, tells the “Vazerli” website, that the digital health requires conscious and balanced use of digital media, with a focus on learning and creativity instead of continuous entertainment.
Do not burden your child: Slow education does not mean excluding all methodological activities, but, try to understand your child’s capabilities so that it does not carry expectations that may not be prepared for them and does not force him to excel in everything, as it is not necessarily that everything is an opportunity to learn.
