6 September 2024

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

The other night I heard people being interviewed about what non-fiction book changed their life or at least had a big impact on them. One of the panellists referred to Viktor Frankl's book, first published in 1946. Another agreed and also added that, if it had been written in these times, the title may have been more gender neutral!

OK - I had to order it as I have come across the story many times and never got around to reading it myself - it was time.

Much of what bounced off the pages for me was that the underlying messaging is very much aligned with our rock of Positive Education so I started thinking about what the messaging means for parenting and educating and often it's both and all day. Children are all consuming!!

The messages, I felt, were not really completely new ...please read the following as more of 'some things to think about' as I'm not in the business of telling:

Cultivating a sense of purpose. We know that one of the biggest gifts we can give children is to help them discover their own interests, to be curious about the world and to pursue passions. They need to know that their actions and efforts matter. This all helps them develop tools to support resilience as they move onwards

Embrace Choice. It's powerful. We have the power to choose our attitude no matter how tough things may be. We need to model to our children and actively teach them that their reactions to challenges define their experiences. So here's to handling our own setbacks with grace and determination!

Find meaning in relationships. With a loving, supportive environment children learn to form close connections with a wide range of people. It's never smooth sailing but, if we can model empathy, understanding and support for each other, it will go a long way.

Encouraging Responsibility. Encouraging children to take responsibility for their own behaviour and choices - whilst being realistic about their age and stage but all the same guiding them to understand they play a part in shaping their own lives and the world around them

Finding joy in the ordinary. It's not all about the flash and the big experience! (Thankfully!) It's the small things - the walk in the bush, the baking, the dipping your toes in the sea..... all those little opportunities to savour!

Supporting Growth and expect ups and downs. As hard as it can be to observe - each child really is on their own unique 'journey' and we aren't the journey planners! What we can do is acknowledge effort, celebrate the good, provide guidance with the struggles.... it's definitely about being the guide not the controller as they find their way. 

So, Viktor Frankl - I finally got to read your book and I feel fulfilled! I hope this may spark something for you.

More of Viktor Frankl.

I think we will find plenty to celebrate and savour at the Arts Celebration next week!

See you there.