Helping our children make the best out of this year

Formal schooling may be out till, at least, January 2020. But that does not mean that learning has come to a standstill. As parents, we must be smart and think outside the formal classroom.

I have been thinking about learning that my daughter can undertake, to make this year worth its while. Years later, I do not want her to look at 2020 as a wasted year. Our kids can come out of this year better and brighter. We can look at this situation either as a curse or a blessing in disguise. Even if it was meant for evil, God will help us to harness the cards we’ve been dealt, and come out trumps.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said there are two ways to look at it. We can remain fixated at the danger, and be stagnant. Or, can look for opportunities to make something good out of the bad situation.

Below are ideas on how we can help our kids to redeem 2020 ...

Learn a new musical instrument

Is your child musically gifted? This is the time to make them take their gift to a new level.

My wife and I are always arguing on whether to let our daughter join her school’s music and drama group, and go for the national festivals. This is because, each time the festivals are held, and our daughter participates, her grades go south.

Pudd’ng always tells me to buy her an acoustic guitar. Funds permitting, I think this is the time for her to take this plunge. Who knows, redeeming 2020 this way may lead her to the path for greater musical achievements.

Learn a new language

A new language will prepare my child to interact more fluently with folks from other parts of the world.

In Pudd’ng’s school, they are taught French, but it is merely a by-the-way kind of subject. It’s not examinable. Apart from basic greetings, and a few phrases, our daughter does not know much about this language. I think the school’s administration throws it in there to make their institution more appealing.

If your child’s school is like mine’s, and your child is interested in learning a new language, this is a great time to put your child on the course of being a polyglot. Learning a foreign language may seem like an inconsequential investment, which won’t help a child’s career prospects, but it opens up their world and may open up opportunities.

Learn a new computer skill

Using our mobile phones or computers, with access to the internet and myriad tutorials, our kids can learn a skill, such as coding. Which, if harnessed, can turn into a part time gig and, eventually, a career.

Many coders started out as a hobby, before they blew up. Give your child a shot and surprise. You may be surprised.

Learn a new agri-skill

Do you have space in your front yard or balcony? Does your child have green fingers? Good. Why not start for them a kitchen garden?

You are not just keeping your child busy, but, in due time, you’ll start saving as your family consumes produce from your child’s kitchen garden.

Never despise humble beginnings. Who knows, after the balcony your child can be part of Kenya’s bread basket.

Learn a new sport

Two years ago, when I went to interview a fencing coach, I let my daughter to tag along. I wanted to pique her interest in this fringe sport. I did not want to shove it down her throat.

At the training venue were kids, some who were Pudd’ng’s age. She watched with little interest.

“So, what did you think?” I asked her, on our way home.

Pudd’ng was noncommittal. And so I left it at that. She surprised me several months later, when she told me to go with her if I ever returned to do a story on fencing. Which told me that some kids fall in love, at first sight, with a sport. For others, love takes time to grow.

Is your child a sports freak? Interest them in new sports, like archery or fencing. Look past the common sports, and think fringe. There are schools that offer scholarships to students who excel in fringe sports.