Trying to keep up might be stressful at times. But this, I think, is helpful: FOCUS. Here, “focus” refers to a mindset and perspective on life that eliminates distractions while working towards a predetermined objective. When there is FOCUS, the broad idea of attempting to “keep up with the Jones” becomes meaningless.

At M.D school, we prioritized each child’s individuality. This suggests that in addition to academics, which we approach in the most enjoyable and imaginative ways, we think it’s important to expose children to a variety of extracurricular activities both inside and outside of the classroom until they discover one or more areas of purpose or a natural love. Focus may be fostered more easily once this is discovered.

We are aware that children could decide to change their career path at the start of each term or even after watching a movie. Please be patient with them; do not jump to conclusions based on their remarks from yesterday. It takes time to focus. It usually entails constant, constructive exposure to a range of situations, activities, and environments. How can you tell whether you have a higher innovator than Thomas Edison if your child is constantly scolded for failing on his first attempt, a greater Chimamanda Adichie if the child is not encouraged to read, or Michael Phelps if your child does not attempt swimming? These are life examples to think about.

I understand children may change their future occupation at the beginning of every term or even after every movie they watch. Please be patient with them; do not be in a hurry to lay bricks on what they said yesterday. Focus takes time. Most times, it means continuous positive exposure to various activities, environments, and scenarios. How do you discover if you have a greater Michael Phelps if your child does not try swimming, or a greater inventor than Thomas Edison if your child is always criticized negatively when he does not succeed on first try, or a greater Chimamanda Adichie if the child is not encouraged to read? These are life examples to consider.

A word of warning to make sure no child is put in a box: each child is different, and there are no set deadlines for when each child will make the discovery. As parents, it is our responsibility to maintain positive exposure, refrain from comparisons, and recognize and praise “little” accomplishments and milestones.
Finally, regardless of what other people are doing, always encourage your child to be the best version of themselves. This characterizes the ideal form of FOCUS and why we remind our children at M.D School that each of them is uniquely different.