Last month’s issue about the importance of social connections as we age got me thinking about the intentions we set for our children as they age. While those intentions vary family to family and child to child, I think we can all agree that being a lifelong learner is something we wish for all our children.
This time of year, our hope is that with each new subject or weekly theme comes a new fun fact, a new interest, that eyes-lit-up curiosity that learning unlocks in kids. We want them to continue to love learning as they grow, to carry that spirit of curiosity into adulthood. But, if we’re honest with ourselves, most of us do not prioritize that same love of learning as adults.
When was the last time you asked yourself “what do I want to learn this year?” Not in the new year new you, optimize your fitness routine, climb the ladder at work kind of way. Rather, what have you always wanted to try? What skill or passion have you let go dormant because life got busy and your interests moved to the bottom of the to do list? When was the last time you practiced what you preached to your children about the importance of learning? I know I’m overdue for this audit myself.
I did a bit of research on this idea of being a lifelong learner beyond school years and, as parents, how our own passions, hobbies, attitudes toward learning impact our children. Not surprisingly, children whose parents model curiosity, learning and the willingness to try new things develop stronger academic motivation and better resilience than children who are simply told to study hard. (Center on Education Policy: The George Washington University). As any of us with kids in the house are keenly aware, they are watching us. They observe how we react to difficult situations, where we spend our time and what excites us. Prioritizing your interests this fall is not separate from their education, it’s very much part of it.
It’s easy to spend the school year entirely in service of everyone else’s development but carving out even one hour each week for something that challenges you, interests you or simply brings you joy is not indulgent or selfish. It demonstrates to them (and you) that learning does not end once you graduate from the classroom.
Here are a few ways to think about what your own learning might look like this fall:
Dust off something you used to do: Before kids, before career, what did you do for yourself? Painting, cooking, writing, running, card games, group sports, live events? The things we abandon during busy seasons of life are often the ones worth returning to first because the interest is already there, it just needs an opportunity to resurface.
Try that thing you have always been curious about but talked yourself out of: The pottery class, the knife skills cooking class, joining a book club, intro to ballet, cross fit. Or maybe, like me, you’re one of the few who didn’t make time to learn Mahjong this year.
Start smaller than you think you need to: one class, one book outside your usual genre, one YouTube tutorial for something you’ve been meaning to figure out for two years. The point is not to add another obligation to an already busy schedule. The point is to remember that your curiosity matters and that feeding it is worth a little time and effort.
Local opportunities to learn:
- Tampa Museum of Art adult art classes (ceramics, figure drawing, printmaking)
- Pickleball or Badminton through the Westchase Rec and Swim & Tennis Centers
- Beginner sourdough making classes via Spellbound Sourdough at Armature Works
- Maureen B. Gauzza Library adult classes (sewing, journaling, 3D modeling, book discussions)
- Learn a new language at the Tampa Language Center
We will spend the next nine months asking our kids how school is going, what they are working on, what is hard and what is clicking. This year, ask yourself the same questions. You might be surprised what you come up with.