25 Things to teach and live

1.Teach them that GOOD CHARACTER is a quality of an educated person, not academic knowledge.

2. SET BOUNDARIES but give them freedom within.

3. Teach them that all choices have CONSEQUENCES.

4. Teach them to RESPECT OTHERS by respecting them as unique individuals.

5. SPEAK POSITIVELY & highlight their strengths.

6. INVOLVE THEM in your everyday life and never stop talking & explaining as you go about it!

7. Give them CHORES, it develops responsibility & a sense of worth as a team player.

8. LIMIT “screen time” (TV’s, PC’s & iPads).

9. READ ALOUD to them from birth & don’t ever stop (even once they are reading by themselves)!

10. Introduce them to the great classics & develop a LOVE FOR GOOD BOOKS.

11. Make outings to Book Shops a festive family affair!

12. Give them lots of FREE TIME to play (cut back on extra murals)!!!

13. Encourage IMAGINATIVE GAMES by providing “dress-up” stuff.

14. Encourage CONSTRUCTION GAMES by providing them with their own tools, nails, wood, rope and wheels (from second hand shops!)

15. Take time to PLAY WITH THEM. Introduce lots of puzzles and board games to build basic maths skills & family-togetherness.

16. BAKE & COOK TOGETHER, it helps with fine motor development, maths skills and an appreciation for good food.

17. Go on DISCOVERY EXPEDITIONS (nature walks) together. Bring home your finds and research them!

18. Make the most of your HOLIDAYS – they can be wonderful educational fieldtrips!

19. Seize the TEACHABLE MOMENTS! Live life deliberately instead of just letting it happen!

20. ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY and a questioning mind. Never squelch it with a silly answer.

21. Give them a SAFE PLACE to experiment & learn from their mistakes. Encourage them to take risks!

22. Really LISTEN to them and help them follow their interests & develop their passions.

23. Help them develop A SENSE OF PURPOSE, it leads to inward driven learners.

24. Support & encourage their ENTREPRENEURAL ideas.

25. EAT TOGETHER and share your days' highs & lows.

LIVE and be present in every moment!