This past year (2020) has been unique. New situations confronted us. Scary and uncertain events unnerved us. If you are reading this, then you have survived.
We have learned new things — how to learn or teach on a computer, how to adapt our usual routines to accommodate new health restrictions or guidelines, and how to maintain close connections with our families and communities. We may have learned new things about ourselves, our families, and our neighbors, such as our preferences, prejudices, and perspectives. We may still have a long way to go to resume living our lives in any way that we can refer to as “normal.”
Despite all this upheaval, some things are so important that they never change. Dr. Suzuki devoted his life and work to articulate timeless principles related to learning and ability development and, most of all, to improve the parent-child relationship within this overall framework of good learning.
Children held a special place in Dr. Suzuki’s heart. When we read his words about how to teach and how to parent to respect and uplift the child, we remember how important our roles as teachers and parents are. Despite all the turmoil and upheaval that defined the year 2020, what did not change is how important it is to respect and uplift our children. When we feel overwhelmed by restrictions designed to keep us safe and healthy or frustrated by having to work harder to accomplish our work or teach our children electronically, we may find more comfort by reminding ourselves about this important message.
Children are the most important thing in our lives, whether we are parents or teachers. Each of us is a child in some way and deserves to receive respect and encouragement.
The message is the same.
