As I was helping one of our students out of the car the other morning at drop off, he began telling me that they have a new car. We chatted about seats and cupholders and stereos, and when I mentioned the nice colour of the car, he said to me that since they had got the car, he had seen quite a number of cars the same colour. I asked if he hadn’t noticed them before, and he answered that he hadn’t. Have you ever had that same experience? You don’t notice something that is all around you until you especially look for it. Over the last few years, Alison and I have taken an interest in observing and photographing birds. The birds have been there all our lives and in all our previous travels, but we hadn’t really noticed their specific habits, characteristics and beauty.

These reflections got me thinking about what we look for when it comes to our kids. Are we so busy viewing things through our adult eyes that we miss out on seeing what’s important to our kids? I constantly fall into the trap of projecting my adult worries, concerns and priorities on kids. Don’t get me wrong, the wisdom and insight that comes with experience and maturity are vital in guiding, disciplining, directing and raising our children, but the reality is that I see what I’m looking for. One of the reasons I am sharing this with you is that Mid-Year Reports are going to come your way in the next week, and they will provide a great opportunity to sit down with your child and talk about their learning journey. There will be things that you are looking for, but why not ask for your child’s perspective. Ask about what they see in their learning, what they are finding easy or hard, what they are enjoying or struggling with. I am hoping it will open the door to a greater perspective and an opportunity to provide moments of connection and support.

Have a great week with your kids seeing what you’re both looking for,

Mark B