All parents want the same thing: for their child to be a positive member of society and experience success. While these are important goals, they often come through a push to achieve and be the best in everything. Unfortunately, this frequently involves comparing children to others, which can lead to stress and lower self-esteem. It's essential to remember that each child has different strengths and developmental rates.

The SKILLZ program was developed to place children in classes that match their stage of development. Instead of having a 5-year-old in the same class as a 10-year-old and expecting the same outcomes, the levels are split based on research in science and psychology. This helps target children's skills and abilities, ensuring the challenges are neither too difficult nor too easy.

Each SKILLZ level focuses on the needs of a specific age group. However, parents sometimes still compare their children to others in the class. For example, in the Core SKILLZ class, one child may achieve agility skills faster, while another may achieve concentration skills faster. There is nothing to worry about; they will each achieve the skill when they are ready. The important thing is that they are both making progress compared to their previous individual performance.

The ultimate goal of this program is to help each child become the best version of themselves. In this context, "of themselves" is the key phrase. It is important to remember that even within age-specific classes, there are still individual differences among children, including strengths and learning rates. As Robert John Meehan said, “Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding.”

There is a time for healthy competition to give children a little push out of their comfort zone to achieve another level. However, when discussing individual development, comparing one child to another can undermine self-esteem and drive. Besides, if everyone could do the same thing at every level, what fun would that be?

We must meet children where they are in their own individual development. From there, we can enhance their strengths and help them improve in areas that are more challenging. Appreciate each child's uniqueness and foster their development by celebrating their successes and creating the drive in them to achieve more. Using both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation will move them closer to success than comparison ever will. Remember, “Don’t compare your child to others. There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine when it’s their time.”

By fostering an environment that celebrates individual achievements and encourages personal growth, we can help children develop into confident, capable individuals who are prepared for the challenges ahead. Let's focus on nurturing their unique talents and watching them shine in their own time.

This blog was created with grammar edits from AI