Growing in Gratitude

Modeling a growth-mindset for children allows them to learn to increase in emotional openness, life satisfaction, and connection. Gratitude is the primary predictor of happiness over the human lifespan, according to research in the field of Happiness Psychology, and as believers, we have lavish cause to be thankful. "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." -Psalm 100:5. We employ this as working knowledge in support of the trademark, joyous freedom of childhood that is, and always should be internally present for kids.

Cultivating the time and tribe to support such growth, there are opportunities for parents to help caravan students for family camping and field trips, as well as diverse subjects available for children in our care. ​

In supporting leadership and unique forms of intelligence from as early as possible, we have the notion that children are always learning (for better or worse). Our goal is to facilitate, guide, and support the best topics for conversation and the most meaningful styles of communication that fit the occasion for your child. We give times of autonomy to choose the direction of lessons in a small, educational democracy using play-based learning. We find that children generally respect each others' interests and time with more sincere positivity when they are themselves encouraged, and given time showcase their talents and explore in their learning style. The arts, conversation, invention, and science are connected to kids' own self-knowledge, experiences, and interests. Growing an extended family of friends scaffolds a basis for reciprocity uncovered through group projects and games as well. Our highest ideal is to bring respect for each other and ourselves into a positive environment where we can tackle fears and difficulties with some levity. We are constantly trying to find ways to eliminate power struggles and to connect, instead, using conflicts as organic problem-solving lessons. We want to be an integral part of the proverbial tribe needed to help build and maintain positive consistency, among the handful of families involved. ​ During school years, parents can feel like the race is on to cover all of the experiential bases and help kids find identity. In California we seem to go rapidly from "First 5 California," emphasizing the importance of early development to finding activities that will contribute to college scholarships and internships. In actuality, common sense tells us that early school years are a wonderful time to lead children to pursue their personal life paths. We want some joyous variation within the consistent guidance and boundaries. We want caregivers to be conscientious. We also want to explore some diverse activities to build hobbies and to begin to see generalizable skills, with kids recognizing patterns across diverse activities. We do want to provide some consistent (developmentally appropriate) instruction, to contribute to feelings of expertise. To promote socioemotional well being, we want to expose kids to each others' unique identities and allow them to grow in familiarity, respect, and team building. Mostly, we want to do things in a way that helps them recognize that they belong to the body of Christ, with varying parts that all desire to love and be loved. ​ Our organic education that develops out of play including, but not limited to the categories pictured below. All the while we aim to surrender to Jesus's pursuit of our hearts, sharing real world trials and joys. "No" is not inherently negative, and it is ok for kids to politely assert their preferences in their lives, with respect to the parameters of a group setting. We will be unique in that there will be time and space for the individuals that comprise our group to be heard. Maintaining the respectful boundaries that make that possible will help us develop that so desired balance of gentleness, respect, and assertiveness. We encourage and honor what brings joy, resilience, inclusion, endurance, and originality ​ ​