One of the unfortunate outcomes of today\u2019s uber connected world is the unreal portrayal of people\u2019s life. For instance, if you visit any social media platform, you will feel that everyone is happy, affluent, and having more fun than you. That fake representation can impact everyone but is quite detrimental for kids who are trying to identify their life goals. Not being able to see the fakeness, they would try to chase those obscure goals. Instead of focusing on their own strengths, they would rather look outwards, which would make them feel low of themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year we have undertaken a short yet critically important exercise for kids to identify their strengths and unique strong points. It is a framework that aims to not only help kids become aware of their true nature but also promise several intangibles: boost confidence, increase self-awareness, and help them focus on their own development. We are on the part 2 of that exercise: focus on the \u201cwhy’s\u201d behind your \u201cwhy’s\u201d<\/strong> (or The Reasons behind Your Reasons<\/strong>). If you missed the part 1, please finish that assignment first. Bypassing that assignment will weaken the outcome you wish to extract from this exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last month, kids were given seven \u201cWhat\u2019s\u201d and \u201cWhy\u2019s\u201d. The What covered what they like, and the Why covered the reasons behind their likings. This month, we will go in the details of why they picked their whys (reasons).<\/p>\n\n\n\n As such, the lists kids presented last month were a great start. The reasons (why\u2019s) were also insightful. Now, we need them to go a few layers deep to truly understand their core values, desires, and motivations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s understand that aspect with an example. Say, if a kid stated that they would play cricket in their free time (as their \u201cwhat\u201d answer) and the reason (the \u201cWhy\u201d) for doing so was that it made them feel good, it is now time to understand that reason in more details. Let\u2019s ask them now why playing cricket makes them feel good: is it spending time with their friends, the competitive nature, the physical factor, or the fun factor of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peeling another layer, if your kid says that it is the \u201ctime with friends\u201d, would they consider engaging in other group activities \u2013 and why? If it is the \u201ccompetitive nature\u201d, would they also consider other games including strategy ones \u2013 and why? If it is \u201cphysical factor\u201d that excites them, would they also consider activities that make them physically active \u2013 and why? And, if it is \u201cfun-factor\u201d of the game, what other fun-filled activities would they consider \u2013 and why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the above example, you can see, our true nature is buried deep under our simple acts and statements. We need to dig several layers to understand ourselves. A note to the parents of very young kids: please engage with your kids in understanding the exercise (not directing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dear Kids,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is the exercise you will undertake for this month\u2019s assignment. First, please pick the reasons (Why\u2019s) from the last month\u2019s assignment, and then take each of those reasons through the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask Yourself “Why?” Five Times<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider Alternatives<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understand How Your Decisions Make You Feel<\/p>\n\n\n\n After each of the seven reasons, please jot down the \u201cwhy\u201d [from the last month assignment], and then explain the deeper reasons behind those reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are very excited to be with you in this self-discovery journey and looking forward to the insights you share. Make us proud!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harsh Mendiratta<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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