I have two kids ages 10 and 8 and they are in 5th and 3rd grades respectively. When I chose to go back to school and learn a new profession, insurance adjusting, they had some adjusting to get used to themselves. If you are going back to school and have younger children, do not underestimate their perception of what that means.
So after my first day back to school, my 8 year old daughter asked what I did today. My answer was surprising to her, “I learned about insurance policies, coverage and the claims process.”
“So did you have gym?” She asked.
“No sweetheart.” I replied. “But they did let us outside for a break.”
“Hmm. Did you make any friends? Who did you eat lunch with?”
The questions just kept coming and then my 10 year old son joined in. “So did you get any homework?” He asked
“Yes” I replied, “I have two chapters in my book I need to read.”
“Dad, you cannot play or watch TV until your homework is done. Remember that’s the house rules” he quickly shot back with.
So I sat down, read my chapters and proudly announced when I was done. The two of them released me and said I could now do something else.
This can be a good opportunity for anyone who whats to instill good learning habits with their kids. The old saying, monkey see, monkey do will hold true. In our house that is the rule, if you have homework, you do it before anything else. No procrastination. From now on, everyday I have ‘homework’ I do it as soon as I get home and they get to sign-off I did it.
If you are going back to school, get your kids involved in the process. By them being involved it not only encourages me, but also lets them see, by example, that the learning process never stops and should be embraced.
