An 18th-century philosopher named Jean-Jacques Rousseau proposed to the world in his works a theory that children should have "free upbringing and education," in which they could choose their own path of creative development and naturally develop the natural potential for knowledge embedded in them. In the 20th century, experiments were conducted in the USA and England based on this philosopher's works, which caused a very great resonance in public and educational circles. As a result, the tragic consequences of such an approach to upbringing were revealed.
It was assumed that the instinct embedded in the child, if not interfered with, would itself suggest how and what to do, and the child would somehow miraculously develop his talents and surpass all his peers.
The success of such an educational model was only in cases when the child made it clear which subject he liked most, and then the educators gave him knowledge in this area. But without a basic foundation of learning, in isolation from adults, without the absence of emotional warmth from teachers, degradation occurred in the spiritual development and condition of the young generation. Most children had cognitive, emotional, and physical developmental delays. They became aggressive and mentally retarded in many everyday matters. Upon completion of such educational institutions, these graduates could not find worthy work for themselves and fully realize themselves in public life due to professional unsuitability, low level of responsibility, inability to adapt to highly organized living conditions. And the further life path led many of these young people to various kinds of sinful dependencies, to suicide, to a depraved or criminal lifestyle.
All such experiments led to the fact that in the absence of educational structure and the guiding role of adults, any natural or anarchic development destroys the child's psyche, slows down natural processes of personality formation, weakens analytical and mathematical skills, makes children unable to socialize and adapt in society, reveals a complete absence of leadership qualities.
If, in contrast to "free education," we consider a model of strict academic discipline, high academic expectations, and obtaining deep knowledge and skills, then the result of such an educational system exceeds "free development" and has an advantage like day before night. But such a system of education has rigid requirements and a purposeful program not oriented to the peculiarities of mental development and perception of the child, and moreover, this education costs a lot of money, which many parents cannot afford.
As a rule, secular and state institutions do not have religious disciplines where children are instilled with skills of spiritual obedience and knowledge of God, which makes children unbelieving and hoping only in themselves, in their own strength and talents.
Also, some children are prone to emotional burnout when the requirements of the school program exceed the children's degree of perception and assimilation, and the certification system sometimes depends on the mood or prejudice of teachers, causing fear in children of receiving low grades. Also, concentration on individual subjects can lead to damage in general knowledge and to the absence of development of social skills, such as ease in communication and building relationships.
If parents have decided to engage in home education of their child, then they should consider the above examples and not be afraid to load the young student with a variety of subjects, ensuring that the spiritual side in knowing God develops harmoniously with the study of other disciplines.
Children should understand that God is the Primary Source of all knowledge and gives wisdom in all subjects.
It will also be correct to determine the natural abilities and interests of the child and teach him what he more willingly learns and does.
Learning to play some musical instrument should also be included in the school program, as this forms hearing and spiritual perception.
At what age should children's education begin, and when should they be given more load in the area of acquiring knowledge? A child's education should begin from the moment of birth. Communication with the baby, explaining to him your actions and the meaning of surrounding objects forms erudition and a desire for greater knowledge in the child's consciousness. Educational children's games are useful at any age and prepare the child for perception and analysis of more complex things, objects, and games.
If nothing is taught to the child, and then a stream of academic subjects is unleashed on him, it will be difficult for him to master the waterfall of new knowledge. But mind and body that are accustomed to receiving all kinds of tasks and loads will easily cope with more complex tasks and will successfully develop in mastering other sciences.
Children, unlike adults, get tired less, and sometimes their inexhaustible energy is surprising. But children also need emotional rest, which can be a change in their type of activity.
Spiritual upbringing invites the Creator Himself and the Heavenly Teacher into the life of the young generation, who gives the child wisdom in all other life spheres of education. God understands any subject taught in school programs better than anyone and can give the child special wisdom and memory in assimilating the material covered. Plus, spiritual upbringing makes children's character suitable for Eternity, and it will not be difficult for them to decide to enter into closer communication with Christ and build Eternal relationships with Him.
Parents should also bring into the practice of children's education lessons of love, happiness, and friendship. These subjects are not in any school program, but they are in the Bible, and it is necessary to teach children this. Such lessons will form in them the ability to influence others and be spiritual leaders in any society.
Parents primarily need to become wise teachers and mentors themselves, choosing safe methods of necessary education, not relying on other people, the state, or the church to raise and educate their children.
Even if the laws of the country do not allow children to be educated at home, parents should not let their children's education take its course, but keep under control everything their children learn, and give wise explanations to all inconsistencies with God's requirements that their children will encounter.
Also included in the program of successful education is secret parental prayer, where father and mother daily ask for their offspring special God's blessings, special protection and guidance from above. God always answers sincere prayers of parents and adds to the life and development of children much that they would not receive without prayer.
And a friendly family atmosphere, mutual love and respect give the child a solid emotional foundation and protection in any trials and in any learning. Children who know they are loved are more successful students and become more creative personalities capable of solving many complex tasks and questions.
Questions for Reflection
Please read Ex. 31:1-6; 36:1; Prov. 2:4; 12:1; 18:15; 22:6; Ps. 31:8; 2 Tim. 3:16; Eccl. 10:15; 12:1; James 1:5, in light of this lesson. What other verses from the Bible came to your mind? What did you understand from this lesson? When do parents need to think about their child's education? When can you start teaching children different life issues and values? What is the most optimal age for a child to go to school? Why is it important to combine spiritual development with academic education? How does family atmosphere affect a child's ability to learn? What role does spiritual upbringing play in children's education? Why is it important to include lessons of love, happiness, and friendship in education? Why is it important to gradually increase the academic load? What qualities develop in children who know they are loved? And how does this help them in their studies? How to properly organize rest for children in the learning process? What responsibility lies on parents in their children's education?