Welcome to the first entry of the “Know Your Child” Blog. The journey I am about to embark on actually started in 2008. With the beginning of any story, the plot was not revealed at that point, but rather fragments of ideas and story-lines were just forming. While the birth of the “Know Your Child” system came many years later, the next step in the dance has begun, and I am more excited than ever.
What started as a passion has become a calling. This statement sounds so simple, so easy. It was clearly outlined in a memo for me to follow. Of course, this was not the case, but rather the statement represents years of frustration, questioning, searching, analysing, to get this point. To find what you are meant to do with your life can often be a life-long journey, and I would be foolish to consider that I have reached a point where it is all worked out. Rather, where the answer always seemed just out of reach, just around the corner, I can now see the path more clearly. Some people just know, but I think more often than not, it is process of discovery, persistence and lots (and lots) of reflection.
The Four Hats
The “Know Your Child” Blog will be written from the perspective of four hats.
Professional – Business Owner
Family – Wife and Mother
Community / School – Subcommittee for Positive Education at Local School
Student – Master of Education (Early Years)
There will be an overlap of course as you can’t remove your existing experience, emotions and knowledge when you are wearing one hat over the other. It is what you draw on to live your life. When we look at the number of hats we are all wearing it can be cause for alarm and stress. How are we to function effectively in each role, when each hat represents a large portion of time commitment, emotionally, mentally and physically? There are only twenty-four hours in the day and sleep should not be optional. It is important to enjoy the journey as well. (Yes, this is very specifically aimed as a reminder to myself).
The Goal
The goal of the “Know Your Child” Blog is to help families thrive. In this journey of discovery, it will be an ongoing learning process. With each different hat, I hope to bring an element of relatability for those who wish to join me on the journey. The approach is not one of an expert, but rather of discovery and learning in the attempt to gain wisdom from real life examples with the goal to network Positive Education and how it can change communities. The role of Master’s Student will assist in more rigorous reflection, as I learn more about child development and with the key focus of Positive Education. In fact, the prerequisite to develop a weekly Professional Development Journal (PDF) will form the basis of these entries, on the topics of family, school and community.
So for those that are interested in the concept of your family thriving, your school, your community, welcome. It is a privilege to walk with you. I look forward to learning and growing together.
Kindest Regards,
Tracy Fulwood.
