The Value of an Unhurried Childhood
February 20, 2024
By Mulberry Waldorf School A recent New York Times article highlighted the importance of giving children an unhurried childhood, without an overpacked schedule of extracurricular activities and excessive homework. The pressure on Gen Z to excel at a young age has led to decreased mental health and increasing struggles at school. Waldorf Education takes a balanced approach, with plenty of time for children to play and explore, while also providing a joyful and well-rounded education that instills essential life skills, sparks a lifelong love of learning, and prepares them for a successful future. |
“For parents with economic means, it’s tempting to return to a full slate of language classes, sports, music lessons and other extracurriculars — a guilt-free plan to keep kids busy with “enriching” activities while we get our jobs done. But I suggest pausing before filling up their calendars again. We should not simply return children to their hectic prepandemic schedules.”
This is an excerpt. The full article was originally published by By Shalini Shanka. Ms. Shankar is the author of “Beeline: What Spelling Bees Reveal About Generation Z’s New Path to Success” and a professor of anthropology and Asian American studies at Northwestern University.
Read the article: A Packed Schedule Doesn’t Really ‘Enrich’ Your Child
Read the article: A Packed Schedule Doesn’t Really ‘Enrich’ Your Child
About Mulberry Waldorf School
Mulberry Waldorf School echoes the sentiment that joy and academic rigor go hand in hand. Recognizing that joyful learning contributes to overall student well-being, our school emphasizes a holistic approach to education. By incorporating joy into the learning process, we create an atmosphere of exuberant discovery, fostering meaningful connections between students and their subjects.
Located in Kingston, Ontario Mulberry Waldorf School is part of a global network of over 1,000 Waldorf schools in 60 countries, with 20 in Canada and 7 in Ontario. We are a purposeful learning community focused on child development. Our curriculum blends academics and experiential learning, fostering critical thinking, emotional well-being, compassion, and imagination. Rigorous academics are seamlessly integrated with arts, movement, outdoor activities, and practical skills.
Located in Kingston, Ontario Mulberry Waldorf School is part of a global network of over 1,000 Waldorf schools in 60 countries, with 20 in Canada and 7 in Ontario. We are a purposeful learning community focused on child development. Our curriculum blends academics and experiential learning, fostering critical thinking, emotional well-being, compassion, and imagination. Rigorous academics are seamlessly integrated with arts, movement, outdoor activities, and practical skills.