How Does Independence and Self-Reliance Cultivate Resilience?
Consider the way young people experience childhood today, spending most of their time supervised by parents and teachers who answer every question, smooth out every problem and carry every burden. Few are allowed to do things without an adult keeping a watchful eye. Thus, children learn that they are incapable of coping with life’s challenges and bouncing back from its setbacks by themselves. This constant supervision and intervention weakens our children and the young adults they will become.
As Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, asserts, “We have overprotected our children in the real world while underprotecting them online,” arguing that we must give children opportunities to engage in unsupervised play and independent action. Through those experiences, children gain resilience by encountering problems and overcoming them, doing something uncomfortable and coming out on the other side wiser and stronger.
Westminster School has always nurtured self-reliance in its students. They are taught to be responsible for their own papers and supplies through a binder organizational method, learning that it is their responsibility–not parents’ or teachers’–to be prepared for the school day. During daily recess, the children are encouraged to navigate social relationships and solve problems with the least possible intervention from teachers. Every student acts in an annual grade-level play, performed before the full school community. This results in a strong sense of confidence.
We have enhanced our program by implementing Let Grow, a nationwide initiative developed by Haidt and Lenore Skenazy. This movement encourages independence through a monthly assignment for each child to do one new thing at home on his or her own such as playing outside with friends, cooking a meal or running an errand. Westminster students will be able to take the resilience they are building at school and exercise that courageous resolve off campus as well.
Westminster School (PK–8) offers a dynamic, well-rounded curriculum designed to challenge and inspire students in an atmosphere of respect, curiosity and creativity. Blending timeless traditions with innovative teaching, Westminster emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, communication and character.
“Our graduates are recognized for their academic excellence, strong study habits, leadership and
confidence—skills that prepare them for success in an ever-changing world. For over six decades, Westminster has shaped future-ready learners with both heart and intellect.”
—Assistant Head of School Kate Jacobson