Help Children Develop a Stronger Sense of Self

As parents, teachers, and homeschoolers, we want our children to succeed and thrive. We try to encourage them by offering praise and approval, hoping to motivate them to do their best. However, Satrangi Gurukul suggests that this approach can have unintended consequences. When children become too focused on seeking approval, they can develop an unhealthy dependence on external validation, which can undermine their self-esteem, creativity, and overall well-being.

Children who are overly focused on seeking approval tend to:

* Experience increased anxiety and stress

* Develop a fixed mindset, believing that their abilities are innate and unchangeable

* Engage in self-handicapping behaviors, such as procrastination and self-sabotage, to avoid failure and maintain a positive self-image.

* Struggle with self-regulation, as they rely on external sources for motivation and direction.

On the other hand, children who focus on ingenuity and self-improvement tend to:

* Develop a growth mindset, believing that their abilities can be developed through effort and learning. 

* Experience increased motivation and engagement, as they pursue goals that align with their values and interests.

* Cultivate a sense of purpose and direction, as they learn to set and work towards their own goals.

Parents, Teachers and Homeschooling parents can help children shift their focus from approval-seeking to authenticity.

Instead of praising children for getting good grades or achieving a specific outcome, focus on the effort they put in. This helps them develop a growth mindset and understand that progress, not just results, is what matters.

Help children develop the habit of reflecting on their own performance and progress. Ask them questions like "What did you learn today?" "What challenges did you face?" and "What would you do differently next time?"

Give children choices and allow them to take ownership of their learning. This helps them develop a sense of agency and self-direction.

Children learn from what they see, so make sure you're modeling authentic behavior yourself. Share your own struggles and imperfections, and demonstrate a growth mindset in your own learning and pursuits.

Satrangi Gurkul emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of inner authority in children. We believe that children should be encouraged to develop their own inner compass, rather than relying on external sources for validation.

The goal of education is not to produce children who are driven by external rewards or punishments, but rather to cultivate individuals who are motivated by a sense of purpose and meaning. 

Imagination and creativity are essential for developing a sense of inner authority and autonomy.

Hands-on, experiential approach to learning helps children develop a sense of agency and self-direction.

Learning should engage the whole child to foster a sense of wholeness and integration.

Helping children focus on authenticity rather than approval requires a shift in our approach to parenting, teaching, and homeschooling. By praising effort, encouraging self-reflection, fostering autonomy, and modeling authenticity, we can help children develop a sense of inner authority and direction. By incorporating principles of imagination, hands-on learning, and integration of head, heart, and hands, we can cultivate individuals who are motivated by a sense of purpose and meaning, rather than external validation.

As we strive to raise children who are confident, creative, and compassionate, let us remember that the ultimate goal is not to produce children who seek our approval, but rather to cultivate individuals who are true to themselves.

Sarangi Gurukul has started an innovative program that is designed to help parents and teachers gain a deeper understanding of their child's strengths, weaknesses, and inclinations. By uncovering their child's hidden potential, parents can create a personalized learning plan that sets them up for success.

Are you ready to take the first step on a journey that could change your child's life forever? Discover your child's hidden potential with Satrangi Gurukul's Vidyaarambh program. Visit https://satrangigurukul.wixsite.com/onlineschool/vidyaarambh to learn more and get started on this life-changing journey.

-Satrangi Gurkul