Worried about your kids education? And are you in your element?

Spoiler alert!!!!  If you don’t have school age children, you might still be inspired by this post!

As the kids start back for the summer term, there will be parents everywhere feeling exhausted by the motivating their children back into their uniforms and out the door, not to mention concerns about homework and testing. How important is education to our health and well being?  Hugely –  I’m sure you would agree, but why is trying to determine the right education for our children or supporting decisions made for our grandchildren so stressful for so many? How do you feel about your own education and do you ever feel that your creativity is help back by having the ‘wrong’ education? I loved the line in The Durrells (my all time fave TV show) where Mrs Durrell is worrying about Gerry’s schooling  (or lack of it) her wise guest tells her…My mother always knew there is a fine line between formal education and ‘fannying about’

As someone who has been through this and is to a certain extent still living with this stress – we have two school age children, one who doesn’t fit the mould and recently gave a TEDX talk on What’s wrong with the current education system(click to watch) …I am inspired by Sir Ken Robinson, we were lucky enough to interview him on Radio 2 recently on his new book You, your child and school.- Navigate your way to the best education.

Ken has balanced various roles: as a teacher, writer, researcher, adviser and speaker and has directed and been involved in many initiatives around the world, with education systems and with corporate, cultural and community organizations.  Sir Ken Robinson is the most watched speaker in TED’s history. His 2006 talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity” has been viewed online over 40 million times and seen by an estimated 350 million people in 160 countries! The book is great and very timely because so many parents are deeply concerned about education which has become a minefield of politics and controversy.  It’s so difficult to know what  to look for in a school, and to know what we can do if we feel it isn’t right for our child,  With good schools oversubscribed and a panic to get the school of your choice depending on catchment areas, we can feel powerless which leads to huge stress and anxiety.

Ken dispels some myths and challenges that many of us might feel are set in stone. He has argued in the past that art and dance are just as important as geography and physics, and that ‘Imagination is the source of all human achievement’.  In our interview he pointed out that there are many wonderful teachers, but in many cases they are straitjacketed by the system which perpetuates way too many tests and the ‘one size must fit all’ approach.  He suggests we should look to Finland where they have a far superior education system, which revolves around ‘life skills’ and zero testing.

It’s an inspirational read, but if you don’t have children or grandchildren at this point, don’t pass Ken by, check out his New York Times best-selling book The Element, How finding your passion changes everything, – co-authored with Lou Aronica.  It doesn’t really matter what age you are, it’s never too late to find your passion and make sure you are doing what you love.
The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything

The Blurb says…The Element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. When people arrive at the Element, they feel most themselves, most inspired and achieve at their highest levels. With a wry sense of humor, and drawing on the stories of a wide range of artists, scientists, athletes, business leaders, academics, and many others, Ken Robinson shows why finding your Element is essential for all of us and explores the conditions that lead us to live lives that are filled with passion, confidence, and personal achievement.

He got a cool accolade too….

Offers life-altering insights about the discovery of your true best self.” – STEPHEN R. COVEY, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Its so true, we need to be in the flow, be in our element to feel fulfilled, if you have kids, help them to find their element, its not too late for you either – to be the best person you can be, love what you do!

If you have a business and want to attract clients and a tribe, make sure that you know what makes them tick,  and make sure they know about you.  Your vibe attracts your tribe remember so ensure that you are giving off the right energy – one of being ….in your element!

Surely that’s the recipe for well being

 

You, Your child and school by Ken Robinson is out now
You, Your Child and School