Let Kids Clown Around
Trust me, this is not AI. Just a throwback to my clowning days at the local career tech {then vocational} school.
While I may not have pursued a career in the circus {though there's still time...} those experiences taught me the value of trying new things and discovering what lights up my soul.
Growing up it felt like there were so many opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills and take unique classes – including clowning!
Which brings me to something that I find quite concerning in our current culture {and mostly at the result of adult behaviors/ego}:
Kids should not be forced to pick or stick to one sport, one team, or one passion.
It is good to have them commit to something they love or are interested in, step outside of their comfort zone, and learn the value of consistent work.
It is not good when the level of commitment is at the expense of their curiosity about other activities, opportunity to connect with new experiences, and discover passions and skills they have never had the chance to explore.
It's really not good when an injury, burnout, or even a career in the passion ends and they have no other identity or sense of self.
Instead of refusing to allow kids to have more than one extracurricular, use it as a way to help them learn about priorities and time management.
Our kids know we expect them to be involved in something. They've gravitated toward soccer, cheer, track/cross country, etc. Yet they still have down time, work on tech crews, take culinary classes, volunteer, and spend mindless time with their friends. Let the kid play football AND sing in a choir.
Let them love art AND want to ride a dirt bike.
Let them explore.
Life is about more than winning awards and being affiliated with brand names.
Let's get back to encouraging kids - and kids at heart - to embrace their curiosity and explore all the colorful possibilities life has to offer!
{And it must be said, in no way are we an exemplar. Just figuring it out as we go, while also acknowledging what I know about child development and the human experience }.
