What if we all had a Waldorf Steiner education background? what would that mean for the general public of today’s modern world? When one man reunited with a friend from high school, the last thing he anticipated was that he was now homeless.
This sparked a train of thought that the way we turn out actually has a lot to do with how we were raised. The tactic our parents use, or lack thereof, have a far greater influence on our future selves than initially thought. Furthermore, the decisions they make for us may have the ability to curve our life in certain directions.
“We went to high school together.”
Joe was walking down the street one day when he noticed another man looking at him. This would have brushed over his shoulder, but then the man started making his way toward him. His clothes were ripped and torn, and he looked extremely dirty. Not to mention, the expression on his face didn’t exactly spark any warmth within those who looked at him.
The disheveled man asked him for $20. After some thought, he got out his wallet and gave the man $50 instead. This was not expected, and the dirty man was surprised but very grateful. He thanked the man profusely, and they ended up in deep conversation. This encounter brought the man to rethink everything he thought he knew about being homeless. The two men had a long chat about their lives, and the different trials they face on a daily basis. It was truly illuminating for Joe, who had not thought of the various things the homeless man had endured.
As their conversation waned, Joe decided to take his leave. He thanked the homeless man for the insightful conversation. The man just smiled as if he knew something Joe didn’t. He asked, “You don’t remember me, do you?” This kind of question usually gets anyone feeling awkward. But, Joe honestly didn’t recall the man. Not until he said, “I’m Richard. We went to high school together.” Then, it all came rushing back.
A tough life, from similar backgrounds
All of a sudden, the memories came rushing back and he recognized the young man he knew from school underneath the gruff homeless man he met today. He asked what had happened that led him to live this way. Richard opened up about his life struggles. He admitted to being a terrible person in his youth who didn’t care for anyone but himself. He would sleep with women and leave them pregnant, he abandoned his children, joined a few gangs, sold drugs and ate them, and much worse.
Now, Richard’s children want nothing to do with him. He didn’t blame them either, but it was a big regret in his life. He had not been there for his children the way parents should be. This triggered a lot within Joe, who had thought he and Ross had come from similar backgrounds. However, it seems there were some major differences in how his parents managed him.
Joe was raised by parents who liked the structure. They had certain rules in place that Joe needed to abide by. This included not skipping class, and being on time with his deadlines. Not to mention, he had house chores to complete that were mandatory.
Richard, on the other hand, was not coddled in the same way. When they were younger, it might have seemed like Richard had the better situation because he never got shouted at for skipping class. He was allowed to run amock around the neighborhood streets, well after most kids had been called inside. As a teenager, he started smoking and faced little consequence except for the teachers at school. If only he had been given a little more structure, or maybe if his parents had enforced a couple more rules. Maybe, just maybe, he would have turned out differently.
Waldorf Steiner Education System
The Waldorf Steiner education system, also known as Steiner education, is a unique approach to education that prioritizes the holistic development of the child. It is based on the philosophical teachings of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner and places a strong emphasis on the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual growth of students. The system moves away from the traditional rigid setting of classrooms. It views children as imaginative and creative beings who should be encouraged to develop their individual personalities and skills.
In Waldorf Steiner’s education, the focus on emotional development is reflected in the teaching methods used by educators. Teachers aim to create a warm and nurturing environment in the classroom, where students feel valued and supported. This helps to foster a sense of security and well-being in students, which is essential for their emotional growth. Teachers also encourage students to express their feelings and emotions and provide opportunities for them to develop empathy and social skills through interactive activities and community involvement.
Moreover, the curriculum in Waldorf Steiner education is designed to foster emotional development in students. It includes a range of artistic and practical subjects, such as music, drama, and handicrafts, which are seen as important for promoting self-expression and creativity. These subjects help students to develop a sense of individuality and self-confidence and to express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, the Waldorf Steiner education system emphasizes the importance of storytelling and mythology, which can provide children with a sense of meaning and purpose and help to develop their emotional intelligence.
Waldorf Steiner Education promotes conscious parenting
Conscious parenting is a term used to describe a style of parenting that focuses more on the parent than on the children. It combines Eastern-style philosophy and Western-style psychology. Parents who follow this style of parenting believe that their children are independent beings that have as much to teach as there is to learn from them. Instead of trying to make their children conform, conscious parents look inward at themselves and their beliefs and behavior. It involves taking a proactive approach to discipline It asks parents to focus on understanding and addressing the root cause of their child’s behavior, rather than simply reacting to it.
How we respond to the challenges life throws at us is determined by our interactions with others. As parents, we need to think more about what children need and what’s really going on from their emotional standpoint which might be triggering certain behaviors. To be conscious is to be aware, to be conscious is to be mindful from the moment children are born. In most cases, this is easier said than done. The modern world is a demanding place, and parents are under a lot of pressure to make tough decisions.
Conscious parenting builds a great level of trust
Shefali Tsabary, a New York-based clinical psychologist and author of The Conscious Parent, said that parents need to let go of their own family baggage and other cultural legacies in order to make positive parenting choices. If parents do not force their beliefs about how life should be lived on their children, they (the children) are free to develop their true identities. Ironically, this freedom helps children connect with their parents because they are not being forced to become something they are not. Rather, they’re being accepted for who they really are.
Conscious parenting helps to build trust between parent and child by promoting open and honest communication, and consistently following through on promises. By being attuned to their children’s emotional needs, conscious parents can respond with empathy and understanding, which helps children feel heard and valued. This, in turn, fosters a sense of security and trust. All the parents need to do is work on not reacting to their children’s outbursts. Especially out in public where most people just want to get their screaming kid out of the limelight.
Additionally, conscious parenting emphasizes setting boundaries and consequences that are fair and respectful, rather than arbitrary or harsh. This helps children understand the limits and expectations placed on their behavior and reinforces the idea that the parent is a trustworthy authority figure. When parents are consistent in their behavior and follow through on consequences, children learn to trust that the parent means what they say, which further strengthens the parent-child bond.
Examples of Conscious parenting
Luckily, the modern world is a great place to live. The era we are blessed to live in is often referred to as the information era because we can find out anything we need to know at the click of a screen. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have created a safe place for people to express what is going on in their lives. Moreover, they teach others a possible better way of living. This obviously depends on your personal interests.
This brings to mind the example of conscious parenting which you can view below. In this TikTok video, posted by TikTok-conscious-mom, constable. She is sitting in her car explaining a recent incident she had with her son. She took him along to a coffee shop with her mom and sister. When the boy got a look at the doughnuts he refused to accept one.
He demanded to have two doughnuts. Naturally, he threw a tantrum when his mom calmly denied this request. Now, according to conscious parenting which Waldorf Steiner promotes, the trick in these cases is not to react. the mother in the video explained how her mom and sister suddenly reacted to her boy’s screams. As if she couldn’t control him.
But, the conscious mother explained that she did not want to scream back at him. She wanted to calmly explain why having two doughnuts is not a healthy decision. She told her mom and sister why she was doing what she was doing, and her son watched that encounter as well. There are many parents who do not realize how much their children absorb. Every interaction between them and other people is witnessed and integrated into their understanding of the world.
Conscious parenting tips that Waldorf Steiner would follow
If you are raising a family of your own, it might be a good idea to start learning some tips and tricks for conscious parenting. Who knows, it could be the next best thing you did for your children. Here is a list of conscious parenting suggestions.
Firstly, practice mindfulness and self-awareness: Conscious parenting begins with self-awareness and a commitment to being present at the moment. Take time to reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and behavior, and strive to cultivate a calm and centered presence when interacting with your children.
Secondly, embrace non-violent communication: Communication is key in conscious parenting. Practice using “I” statements and expressing your feelings in a non-judgmental manner. Avoid using blame, criticism, or name-calling in conversations with your children. Do not forget to show empathy and understanding when listening to your child. Try to put yourself in their shoes and acknowledge their feelings, even if you don’t agree with them.
Thirdly, set clear boundaries and consequences. Conscious parenting involves setting clear boundaries and consequences for behavior. Make sure your children understand what is expected of them, and follow through consistently on any consequences you have established.
Lastly, encourage your child’s independence. Conscious parenting emphasizes instilling independence and self-reliance in children. Let your children solve their own problems and make their own decisions. Naturally, you can still provide guidance and support when needed.
