Future-Proof Kids
issue no. 2 | future-proof toddler learning, information-maxxed out, real wellness.
camille’s is a personal column by where I reflect on what I’m tending to at home, in my work, and as a pilgrim in the world. A space to document little delights from our days, and working thoughts — many that are still taking shape. I write here with no regular cadence and share when there is enough gathered.
I’ve been fascinated with the concept of “future-proofing” over the last two years. Not in the literal sense. I can’t carry the weight of predicting or controlling what the Lord has in His plans. But listening is important. Thus, making sure there’s room to listen is imperative. I think that’s the theme of this issue.
As far as future-proofing steps I’m thinking about for my family: it’s fostering an environment where I can be a continual, life-long learner, and desiring the same for my children.
With this in mind, I’ve been thinking about creating learning opportunities that will equip them for a future we can’t fully anticipate. This read on the Alpha School’s Test2Pass model was particularly inspiring to me. I decided I’d adapt it for our family.
What are the areas that are important to cultivate, and what little invitations can I make in our day-to-day that challenge my 2YO to build skills in those areas?
It’s been a fun discovery process because I too am challenged to learn what I want to teach; and then to look at myself with the kindness of a child who is learning brand new things 30 years later.
We recently got my 2YO a learning tower off FB marketplace. My oldest daughter was great at occupying herself with her activities, and had only started taking an interest in the affairs of the home at 3. The second one has loved being involved early on, so learning to slow down my daily tasks and involve her rather than distract her has been a learning curve for me.
I think a lot about how a distraction-driven childhood, rather than one of open play and boredom, would have been debilitating. I’m grateful for a relatively screen-free childhood that built creativity, competence, and focus. I do wish I was raised with more domestic skills, confidence in making and sharing my opinions, and taking on risk— but we can work on that now :)
Example Mission-Invitations
Responsibility and Belonging: I take care of the home.
putting the proper cutlery in their designated spots
sorting and folding the laundry (we’re starting with her watching me), but more or less doing these chores in front of her / in her play area so she can be involved
wiping up her own spills
helping with small dinner prep tasks
Curiosity: I explore the world.
colour walks (find something red)
choose a path on our walk
throw rocks in water, dig in dirt, collect leaves
Creativity: I make things.
play dough, kinetic sand, painting
baking together: mixing batter, cracking eggs (we’ll see how soon this one happens)
wash fruit
Community: I practice being brave with people.
ordering food at restaurant
pretend play restaurant, ice cream shop, taking care of stuffed animals
saying hello and introducing self to people
Movement: My body is strong and capable.
we just brought out the pikler triangle! (I’m learning not to impede on her exploration)
climbing the ramp
balancing on beams
Faith: I am a child of God.
leading grace before meals and evening prayers
learning and humming songs at Mass to get more familiar with them
getting familiar with images of the Holy Family and the Saints
I am re-learning research as a leisure practice. Without faster, attention-driven consumption, I’m noticing that I actually never needed all of this information. In fact, it slowed down my own process of creating with information-inspiration overload, distraction, and conflicting pieces of advice. Most of what I had been seeing was potential “nice-to-know” info that I’d save for later, but barely any of it was directed.
Remember when we would search things up, rather than open apps and have it tell us what to focus on? I want to go back to searching things up. Yes, I’ll stumble upon and discover things outside of what I’m looking up, but it’ll be intentional and the time frame will be limited to that.
We went on a simple and super fun family brunch! One of the shows we watch with my 2YO is Caitie’s Classroom. There’s an episode where they go to Old Spaghetti Factory to learn about the experience of dining at a restaurant, so Mike thought it’d be fun to take her sometime and witness her be amazed. The opportunity came this week, and she LOVED every bit of it: Tiffany lamps, retro art, train seating, shirley temples and all!
Here’s a photo from our walk to the restaurant (37 weeks pregnant)… And also me standing in front of the same wall when I was still pregnant with her.
So much info on “health and wellness” is about optimization. Much of it, driven by aspiration: the gap between who we are and who we want to be. And much of that, driven by companies wanting to expand that gap and keep discontentment in front of us.
It’s taken me a few years, but I’ve learned that being well is a lot of subtraction— most of which is free! Choosing to move more (harder at this point in pregnancy), actually eating a meal for breakfast, sunlight, real relationships of depth, making things you love, learning about your interests, and allowing yourself to love and be loved by God and others.
I write this as someone with no background in early childhood education. Simply someone who cares about our family, and has always taken an interest in parenting books, neuroplasticity, and attachment theory. Would love to hear from veteran moms and those who are further along what you’ve tried!
Or any other thoughts you might have from this issue. Conversations with friends who care and are listening are always so encouraging.
Thanks for reading along.
Camille