What if instead of ‘falling behind’, this group of Lockdown kids are actually ahead?

Hear me out…

What if they have more empathy, enjoy family connection, can be more creative and entertain themselves, love to read, love to express themselves in writing?

What if they enjoy the simple things, like their own garden and sitting near a window in the quiet?

What if they notice the birds, and the dates the different flowers emerge, and the calming renewal of a gentle rain shower?

What if this generation are the ones to learn to cook, organise their space, do their laundry and keep a well-run home?

What if they learn to ride a bike, play a board game do simple crafts, learn to bake, climb a tree, play without a screen?

What if they learn to understand the value of money, what is important and how to live with less?

What if they learn to plan shopping trips and meals at home?

What if they learn the value of eating together as a family and finding the good to share in the small delights of the everyday?

What if they learn to be resilient, to be content?

What if they are the ones to place great value on our teachers and educational professionals, librarians, public servants, and the previously invisible essential support workers?

What if, among these children, a great leader emerges who had the benefit of a slower pace and a simpler life to truly learn what really matters in this life?

What if they are AHEAD?

Tim Battersby - School Counsellor