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Constantly evolving future and challenge for kids

Alvin Tofler has famously quoted the below in his book Future Shock in 1970 (more than 50 years ago) and the statement continues to stand true today more than ever in history.

 

The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn. – Alvin Tofler (1970)

Read the statement once again and try to put it in context for yourself and your kids (if you have them). How was the world around you when you were a kid and how is it now? Did you realise how many new skills and technologies you had to learn between the time you were a kid and where you are now? To give you an example, in the last two decades we have moved from landline to video calling on smartphones, print newspapers have moved to digital content, cable tv networks have been replaced by OTT platforms and well the really big one, the rise and rise of digital social networks which have gone on to replace real physical connections.

Harsh as it may sound, it is the reality of the world we live in. Add to it the fact that the rate of change of change is also increasing. Innovation is happening at a faster pace now than ever in history and it will continue to increase. With this backdrop try to think of the world your kids would be living in and look to answer the following questions.

  • Is their current education in school is enough to prepare them for the uncertain future?
  • Will the jobs that exist today, continue to remain relevant tomorrow?
  • Is it right for schools to continue teaching the way they have been for last so many year?

Most likely, the answer to all the three question above is an empathic NO. But if this is the case how does one as a parent ensure that their child is ready for life and the uncertain future? Well, the first step is acceptance. We need to accept that the world we are living will not be same as the kids grow up. Additionally we need to accept, schooling and good education are extremely important for a secure future but not sufficient. As parents, one needs to explore and figure out other areas that the kids need to be guided on. Some of these areas could be pursuit of interests like sports, music, dance, art etc. But they should necessarily equip kids with tools to handle a fast evolving world on how to navigate and keep their own.

 

Additionally we need to accept, schooling and good education are extremely important for a secure future but not sufficient

Some of these areas that require parents’ attention are as follows.

Financial Literacy

Without a working knowledge of money, it is extraordinarily difficult to do well in life. Money is central to transacting life, day-in and day-out. Where we live, what we eat, the clothes we wear, the car we drive, health care, education, child-rearing, gift giving, vacations, entertainment, heat, air-conditioning, insurance—you name it, money is involved. Yet, plenty of parents aren’t helping their kids become financially literate.

 

It’s not how much money you make that’s important – it’s how much money you keep and how long you keep it. – Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad Poor Dad)

It is one of most essential 21st century skills to have, which can make a material impact on the overall wellbeing of the kids as they grow up.

Communication and the art of effective listening

As a child develops, it is important we nurture their communication skills so they are capable of expressing themselves, clearly and confidently, in all aspects and areas of their life. If we consider the stages of a child’s development: they communicate first with their parents, then with siblings and friends, and then with other adults such as their school teachers.

 

If you can’t communicate, it’s like winking at a girl in the dark — nothing happens. You can have all the brainpower in the world, but you have to be able to transmit it – Warren Buffet

Like any 21st century skill, communication skills can be developed and refined with practice, but by helping develop good communication skills in a child from their youth, you are equipping them straight away with the 21st century skills to build a successful future.

Handling conflicts

Whether it’s a dispute over who is out during a heated game on the playground or a deeper clash of values or personalities, conflict between kids is normal. However, it is important to assist the kids in resolving conflicts rather than solving it for them. Richard Feynman said once,

 

If a child can do advanced math, speak multiple languages, and get top grades in school, but can’t manage their emotions, practice conflict resolution, handle stress, none of that other stuff is really going to matter.

– Richard Feynman

The key is to teach kids conflict resolution as early as possible. If we wait until they get to fourth grade or even middle school, they’ve already learned in practice what they’re going to do in order to resolve something, and it might not be the best way.

Algorithmic Thinking

Algorithmic thinking forms the basis of problem solving ability, which may be extended to solving real life situations as well as computer programming. There is a standardised top level framework for problem solving and consistent practice can make kids adept problem solvers. The steps normally consist of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithm development. These mental models can make kids fundamentally strong both professionally and personally.

 

Conclusion

As we head into the future, there is no one who can predict the future accurately and what and how kids should be learning. At Glearnr, our philosophy centres around preparing the kids in 21st century skills that can help them navigate in uncertain situations and prepare them for the challenges that life may present. As a parent you cannot take away the struggles your child may go through in future, however you can teach them the Life skills so that they can handle difficulties better and come out as winners.

Do go through our list of courses here

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