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Why kids hate school, Part 7: Kids love freedom, but school is an oppressive environment

You've been told that school is the key to success, the pathway to a bright future. But here you are, watching your kid despise every moment of it. They drag themselves out of bed every morning, their spirit visibly crushed, and you wonder what went wrong. Why do they hate school so much?

The truth is painful but simple: kids love freedom, and school is an oppressive environment. It’s a hard reality to face, but once you see it, you can't unsee it.

School, for many kids, feels like a prison. It's a place where they have to conform, obey, and fit into a mold that was never designed for them. From the moment they walk through those doors, they're told what to do, how to think, and who to be. There's no room for their individuality, their creativity, or their unique way of seeing the world. They're expected to sit still, be quiet, and absorb information that often feels irrelevant and disconnected from their lives.

Your kid loves freedom. They crave the ability to explore, to question, to discover things on their own terms. They want to follow their interests, dive deep into subjects that fascinate them, and learn in ways that feel meaningful. But school doesn't allow for that. Instead, it imposes a rigid structure, a one-size-fits-all curriculum that stifles their natural curiosity and enthusiasm.

Imagine spending six to eight hours a day in an environment where you're constantly monitored, judged, and compared to others. Where every mistake is highlighted, and every success is measured against a standardized test. Where your worth is determined by grades and performance, not by who you are as a person. It's no wonder your kid feels suffocated.

As parents, it's heartbreaking to watch. You want the best for your child, but you feel powerless to change a system that seems so entrenched. But you can make a difference. Start by listening to your child. Really listen. Hear their frustrations, their fears, their dreams. Validate their feelings and let them know that it's okay to feel the way they do.

Explore alternative education options. There are so many paths to learning that don't involve the traditional school system. Homeschooling, unschooling, self-directed learning centers, and democratic schools are just a few examples. Each of these options offers a way for your child to reclaim their freedom and love of learning.

Most importantly, advocate for change. Speak out about the need for a more flexible, child-centered approach to education. Join forces with other parents, educators, and activists who share your vision. Change won't happen overnight, but every voice matters.

Your kid's resistance to school isn't a sign of failure. It's a sign of their desire for a life that's rich, meaningful, and free. Embrace that desire, nurture it, and help them find a path that honors who they are.

Posted in: For Parents on June 22, 2024 @ 10:54 AM

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