September 2023 - Nurture with Yally

September 30, 2023October 15, 2023

Artists Who Painted there Emotions

Artists Who Painted Their Emotions

Expressing the Inexpressible: How Painters Harness Art to Externalize

Artists throughout history have harnessed their craft to express a wide amount of human emotion. On one end of the spectrum, you have buoyant, upbeat painters like Henri Matisse, who conveyed joyful feelings of excitement and optimism through bright, lively works like his fauvist Dance paintings. Matisse described his artistic goal as creating “an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter.”

On the other hand with anguished artists like Vincent van Gogh, whose work reflected his lifelong struggles with mental illness. Paintings like The Starry Night and many self-portraits externalized his inner demons, sorrow, and anxiety through thick, agitated brushstrokes and tormented imagery. “I put my heart and my soul into my work,” he said, “and have lost my mind in the process.”

Both approaches offer truth. We contain multitudes – light and dark, agony and ecstasy. Expressing only one aspect would be inauthentic for most of us. As full human beings, we ebb and flow between troubles and joys, boredom and bliss. Yet exploring the extremes helps us understand ourselves. As Frida Kahlo mused, “I paint flowers so they will not die.” Art preserves our experiences across the emotional spectrum.

Artistes Depicting Their Inner Storms Through Paintings

Throughout history, painters have channeled their anxieties, grief, melancholia, and other difficult-to-grasp emotions onto the canvas.

Their turbulence transformed into masterpieces that resonate through time. Far from glamorizing darkness, these brave souls illuminate the universality of human turmoil.

Vincent Van Gogh was notorious for depicting his mental anguish in profound ways, swirling paintings like The Starry Night. The moody, abstract landscape seems to mirror his inner storminess. Frida Kahlo unpacked her physical and psychic pain in intimate self-portraits loaded with surreal symbolism, such as her graphicly ravaged heart depicted in The Broken Column.

Many of Van Gogh’s paintings use color, brushwork, and composition to vividly convey emotional states and inner turmoil.

His symbolic imagery allows viewers to intensely feel and perceive the emotions he experienced and conveyed on canvas. His raw self-expression connects authentically with audiences across time.

The Sorrowing Old Man (1890) - Heavy brushstrokes and an anguished face externalize his inner grief and distress.

"I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream." -Vincent Van Gogh

Mark Rothko – Moody fields of color in paintings like ‘No. 5/No.22’ were meant to stir specific emotions in viewers through color alone. His brooding colors, such as those in No.61, envelop viewers, evoking a melancholic sublime.

"I paint to evoke a changing language of symbols." - Mark Rothko

Rothko carefully chose hues to establish a brooding, melancholic, or meditative mood. Dark browns and deep reds create gravity and solemnity.

He wanted viewers to experience a kind of awe or transcendence before the colored voids, like at a religious ceremony. The colors evoke the metaphysical. His monumental canvases immerse viewers physically, making them feel small before the pulsing color fields. This intensifies the emotional effect.

"Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can be explored only by those willing to take risks." Mark Rothko

Jean-Michel Basquiat – Raw, scribbled paintings like ‘Riding with Death’ exuded his inner life.

His paintings have an intense, frenetic energy conveyed through scribbled lines, chaotic compositions, and bold marks. His works seem to exude strong emotions like anger, anxiety, loneliness, or euphoria. The loose style captures a kind of frenzied feeling flowing directly from his psyche.

"I don't listen to what art critics say. I don't know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is." Jean Michel Basquiat

He painted gritty street scenes, words, symbols, and figures that spoke to his urban upbringing in New York City. The rawness of his style thus grew from emotional connections to his environment.

"I don't think about art when I am working I think about life."

Jackson Pollocks drip painting technique is highly gestural, suggesting the artist was directly channeling his unconscious onto the canvas. The splattered paint embodies a raw, unmediated creative process.

However, Pollock resisted being neatly categorized by critics and theorists eager to label him. In 1956, when speaking with art historian Selden Rodman, Pollock rejected terms like “abstract expressionism,” “non-objective,” and “nonrepresentational” being applied to his work. He asserted that at times he was very representational, and a little representational overall. Pollock thus challenged assumptions and simplifications about his creative motivations and content.

"The modern artist is expressing an inner world - the energy, motion, and inner forces." - Jackson Pollock

"I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them. Techniques are just a means of arriving at a statement." - Jackson Pollock

Marc Chagall created fantastical, dream-like paintings that evoked a complex range of emotions and moods related to his life and Jewish heritage.

Memories from his small village in Russia permeate his work. Scenes of village festivals, wedding celebrations, and fiddlers on rooftops convey deep nostalgia and sentimentality.

Amidst the wonder, Chagall’s work also reflects moments of sadness and loss. Solitary figures or more somber colors occasionally suggest loneliness or grief. Despite his works being emotion-invoking not all were melancholic.

"If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing." - Marc Chagall

Chagall painted many affectionate representations of his wife Bella. His love imbues these vibrant, poetic portraits and flying couples with warmth.

Edvard Munch famous work ‘The Scream’ depicted the anxiety and dread he felt in a moment of intense anguish. Other paintings like ‘The Sick Child’ expressed his grief.

Despite radical simplification, the landscape in the picture is recognizable as the Kristiania Fjord seen from Ekeberg, with a broad view over the fjord, the town, and the hills beyond. In the background to the left, at the end of the path with the balustrade that cuts diagonally across the picture, we see two strolling figures, often regarded as two friends whom Munch mentions in notes relating to the picture.

But the figure in the front is the first to capture the viewer’s attention. The figure is unclear and it is hard to say whether it is a man or a woman, young or old – or even if it is human at all.

"From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity." Edvard Munch

Figures are often isolated, turned away, or positioned to convey psychological states like loneliness, grief, or alienation. Munch incorporated atmospheric elements like menacing clouds or waves to mirror internal emotions externally. His Stream-of-Consciousness Style like loose, gestural application of paint evokes a spontaneity that immediately transfers emotion to canvas.

Looking on the Bright Side: Artists Who Capture Joy

In a world that often feels bleak, art has the power to uplift. Though many renowned works depict suffering and darkness, some artists consciously harnessed their brushes to explore cheerier emotions like bliss, love, delight, and optimism.

French artist Henri Matisse pushed boundaries with his lively Fauvist works like Dance I and The Joy of Life. Vibrant colors and energetic brushwork convey freedom and jubilation. Matisse sought to share the euphoric state he achieved while painting.

"I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have a light joyousness of springtime, which never lets anyone suspect the labors it has cost me. " -Henri Matisse

There is so much to say about Matisse. In his later life, Matisse, who was partially reliant on a wheelchair, continued his artistic endeavors by creating cut-paper collages and working as a graphic artist.

American artist Grandma Moses(Anna Mary Robertson Moses) began painting in her 70s, depicting nostalgic, idyllic scenes from her rural childhood like Catching the Thanksgiving Turkey. Her charming, folk art compositions radiate comfort and wholesome happiness.

"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be." Grandma Moses

Her work is cited as an example of an individual who successfully began a career in the arts at an advanced age. Her works have been shown and sold in the United States and abroad and have been marketed on greeting cards and other merchandise.

Many Impressionists, like Claude Monet with his delightful Water Lilies series, aimed to share the joy they felt illuminating nature’s beauty. Light-filled landscapes elicit a sense of wonder and contentment.

He expertly captured the pleasure and emotional lift he found immersing himself in nature. In some ways his works convey uplifting emotions. His loose, broken brushstrokes and visible thick paint convey the motion and vitality of scenes, like shimmering water or rustling leaves. This energetic style elicits excitement.

"Eventually, my eyes were opened, and I really understood nature. I learned to love at the same time."

By painting outdoors, Monet aimed to recreate the euphoria he felt in nature. That uplifting emotion translates into the work.

In multiple works like Haystacks or Rouen Cathedral, Monet captured different light/weather, showing nature’s ability to uplift in any setting.

"I perhaps owe having to become a painter to flowers." Claude Monet

Wassily Kandinsky was deeply interested in expressing emotions and spiritual meanings through abstract art. Here are some ways his paintings reveal his focus on inner feelings.

Kandinsky associated certain colors with specific emotions or mystical values. Blue symbolized spirituality, yellow cheerful emotions, and red for aggression.

The placement and interaction of shapes was meant to evoke tension, excitement, stillness, etc.

Diagonals conveyed motion and dynamism. He let spontaneous brushstrokes directly capture his inner state, without planning. This revealed his unconscious feelings.

"Everything starts from a dot." Wassily Kandinsky

One of his techniques, I especially like, is his association of music with color, he tried to visually capture melodies, instruments, and rhythms in energetic compositions. I remember teaching my class of four-year-old’s, a little about Kandinsky. We used his method as inspiration to paint canvases with music. They turned out pretty beautifully.

"Color is the power that directly influences the soul." Wassily Kandinsky

Composition VII considered his most complex visualization of music in painting, full of clashing dissonances.

Music was a critical inspiration for the evolution of Kandinsky’s groundbreaking abstract paintings. In particular, the innovative works of Viennese composer Arnold Schönberg significantly influenced Kandinsky.

Kandinsky’s theories on art’s potential to evoke psychological, physical, and emotional responses.

Kandinsky was also synesthetic, which means, he associated specific colors with particular instruments and musical notes. This shaped his approach of conveying melodies, harmonies, and rhythms directly on the canvas through visual means.

"Each color lives by mysterious life." Wassily Kandinsky

Yellow-Red-Blue has a rhythmic, melodic quality with its sequence of forms and colors. Kandinsky described it as a "symphony."

In dark times, we need the light. For centuries, artists have explored happiness, delight, love, and optimism as worthy subjects. Their vibrant works remind us beauty persists. As Monet said, “Color is my daylong obsession, joy, and torment.” May the dazzling hues of creative spirits brighten your day!

Exploring how different artists throughout history have used painting to express the full range of human emotion is fascinating.

What messages of positivity and hope can we find in art, if we take time to look? What do you see?

Discloser- All images on this blog post were sourced from wikiart.org and Wikimedia Commons which are public domains. The links are down below.

wikiart.org

commons.wikimedia.org

September 18, 2023November 14, 2023

John Holt: Pioneering Education Through Freedom and Curiosity

In the world of education, there are trailblazers who challenge the status quo and redefine how we think about learning. John Caldwell Holt, an American author and educator, was undeniably one of these visionaries. His ideas and insights have had a profound impact on the way we approach education, paving the way for alternative methods like unschooling and homeschooling. In this blog post, we’ll explore a little into the life and philosophies of John Holt, exploring how his thoughts on education continue to inspire parents, educators, and learners alike. Check out my post about A Beginner’s Guide To Free-Range /Unschooling on TOP CURRICULUMS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Children are born passionately eager to make as much sense as they can of things around them. If we attempt to control, manipulate, or divert this process…the independent scientist in the child disappears.

–John Holt

Growing up my learning Journey as a student started in a Montessori Kindergarten, we were encouraged to explore our interests and learn at our own pace, which aligns closely with John Holt’s philosophy of self-directed learning. This early exposure to a more independent and exploratory style of education may have had a lasting impact on my approach to learning.

I started Primary school in a traditional setting. Teachers well-intentioned though they were, often viewed me through a lens that didn’t quite capture my uniqueness. They perceived my enthusiasm for play as a lack of dedication to learning. In their eyes, sitting still, absorbing information, and completing assignments were the markers of a “good” student. My caregivers were told and I quote “She plays too much” What child doesn’t like to play? It wasn’t until I started teaching as an adult and through my Mentor that I discovered the power of playful learning.

A Brief Overview of John Holt

Born on April 14, 1923, John Holt began his career as a teacher but soon became a vocal critic of the traditional schooling system. His groundbreaking books, including “How Children Fail” (1964) and “How Children Learn” (1967), challenged conventional wisdom about education. Here are some key insights from his work.

1. Nurturing Natural Curiosity:
Holt firmly believed that children are naturally curious and eager to learn about the world around them. However, he saw traditional schooling as an obstacle to this curiosity. In his view, structured curricula and standardized testing often stifled a child’s innate desire to explore and discover.

2. The Concept of Unschooling:
One of Holt’s most significant contributions to education was the concept of unschooling. He advocated for a more flexible and child-centered approach to learning. Instead of adhering to a rigid curriculum, Holt proposed that children should be given the freedom to explore their interests and learn at their own pace, with parents or adults serving as guides rather than instructors.

3. Rejecting Standardized Testing:
Holt was a vocal critic of standardized testing, viewing it as an inadequate measure of a child’s true abilities. He argued that these tests often focused on rote memorization and regurgitation of facts, neglecting the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

4. Embracing Intrinsic Motivation:
Central to Holt’s philosophy was the idea that true learning occurs when individuals are intrinsically motivated. In other words, people learn because they are genuinely interested in a subject, not merely to earn grades or please authority figures. He believed that fostering this internal drive was key to lifelong learning.

John Holt identified several fundamental problems in the American school system, and he articulated these issues in great detail throughout his writings. Here are some the key problems he saw:

Suppression of Natural Curiosity: Holt believed that the traditional American school system often suppressed children’s innate curiosity and love of learning. He argued that young children are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them, but the structured and authoritarian nature of schools could stifle this curiosity.

Rote Learning: He criticized the emphasis on rote learning and memorization in schools. Holt argued that such an approach focused on superficial knowledge rather than promoting deep understanding and critical thinking. He felt that students were often encouraged to memorize facts for tests without truly comprehending the subject matter.

Standardization: Holt was critical of the standardization in education, including standardized testing. He believed that these one-size-fits-all approaches ignored the fact that every child is unique and learns at their own pace. Standardized tests, in his view, could pressure students, lead to anxiety, and encourage surface-level learning.

Lack of Autonomy: Holt saw a lack of autonomy for students within the school system. He argued that students were rarely given choices in what they studied or how they learned. This lack of agency, in his opinion, reduced motivation and hindered the development of problem-solving skills.

Age-Based Grouping: Holt questioned the practice of grouping students solely by age. He believed that this artificial grouping did not account for the diversity in students’ abilities and interests. It could lead to situations where students who were ready to move ahead were held back or, conversely, where struggling students were pushed too quickly.

Fear of Failure: Holt observed that many students developed a fear of failure due to the constant evaluation and grading in schools. This fear, he argued, could lead to a focus on getting good grades rather than genuine learning. It also discouraged students from taking risks or pursuing their passions.

Lack of Individualized Learning: Holt advocated for more individualized learning experiences. He believed that each child had unique interests and strengths, and the school system should adapt to accommodate these differences rather than imposing a uniform curriculum.

Teacher-Centered Approach: Holt criticized the traditional teacher-centered approach to education. He believed that teachers should act as facilitators and guides, helping students explore their interests and learn in a self-directed manner, rather than being the sole source of knowledge.

In essence, John Holt’s critique of the American school system revolved around the idea that traditional schooling often hindered rather than nurtured children’s natural love of learning. He advocated for more child-centered, flexible, and experiential approaches to education, such as unschooling, to address these issues and promote genuine, lifelong learning.

His ideas continue to resonate with parents, educators, and learners who seek a more natural and child-centric approach to education. His advocacy for curiosity, freedom, and intrinsic motivation has left an indelible mark on the world of teaching and learning. As we reflect on his wisdom, let us remember that education should inspire a lifelong love of learning, just as John Holt envisioned.

How Children Fail

In his book ‘How Children Fail’ he explores the idea that when students struggle or fail in traditional educational settings, they are often blamed or punished for their perceived inadequacies. He argues that this approach is not conducive to effective learning and can be detrimental to a child’s self-esteem and motivation.

"After all, if they won't blame you or punish you for not being able to do what you have been told to do, then they can't get you to do it, and you won't do it, and they will have lost some of their power over you." -John Holt in 'How Children Fail'

Loss of Motivation: When students are blamed or punished for their difficulties, it can lead to a loss of motivation. Instead of feeling encouraged to try again or seek help, they may become demoralized and disengaged from learning.

Negative Impact on Self-Esteem: Blame and punishment can negatively impact a student’s self-esteem. They may internalize the idea that they are not capable or intelligent, which can be damaging in the long term.

Inhibiting Learning: The focus on blame and punishment can shift the focus away from the actual process of learning. Instead of addressing the underlying challenges and providing support, the emphasis is on compliance and performance.

Holt’s broader argument in “How Children Fail” is that the traditional schooling system often fails to recognize and address the individual needs and learning styles of students. He advocates for a more compassionate and flexible approach that acknowledges that students may struggle for various reasons and that these struggles should be met with understanding and support rather than blame and punishment.

Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book Of Homeschooling

“Teach Your Own” is a classic work that explores the principles and practicalities of homeschooling. John Holt and Pat Farenga offer a detailed and insightful perspective on how parents can take control of their children’s education and provide a more personalized and meaningful learning experience. Here are some key points of the book.

Philosophy of Homeschooling: The book delves into the philosophical underpinnings of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of trust in children’s natural ability to learn when provided with the right environment and resources.

Practical Advice: “Teach Your Own” provides practical advice on how to get started with homeschooling, including setting up a homeschooling routine, choosing materials, and creating a supportive learning environment.

Learning Through Life: Holt and Farenga stress that learning is not limited to a classroom or a set curriculum. They encourage parents to embrace real-life experiences, curiosity-driven exploration, and self-directed learning as integral parts of a child’s education.

Respect for Individuality: The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting each child’s unique interests, abilities, and pace of learning, which is a core principle of homeschooling.

Autonomy and Trust: Holt and Farenga advocate for giving children more autonomy in their education and trusting them to take ownership of their learning journey.

Community and Support: While homeschooling is often done independently, the book also discusses the value of forming homeschooling communities and seeking support from like-minded parents.

Challenges and Criticisms: The authors address common challenges and criticisms that homeschooling families may face and provide insights on how to address them.

“Teach Your Own” has been a source of inspiration for countless homeschooling families, helping them navigate the complexities of homeschooling and providing a philosophical foundation for this educational approach. It’s a valuable resource for anyone interested in homeschooling or alternative education methods.
Even if the book was published in 1981, many of its principles and ideas remain relevant today, the practical aspects of homeschooling may have evolved due to advances in technology and changes in educational regulations. Nonetheless, it remains a significant and influential work in the homeschooling literature. And revisited and updated versions are available for purchase

Other than my favorite two I talk about, here are some other John Holt Books.

“How Children Learn” – This book explores how children naturally learn and how traditional schooling may hinder their innate curiosity and creativity.

"Children do not need to be made to learn about the world, or shown how. They want to, and they know how."
-John Holt

“Freedom and Beyond” – In this collection of essays, Holt delves into the concept of freedom in education and the importance of trusting children to take charge of their own learning.

"The true test of intelligence is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don’t know what to do." -John Holt

Instead of Education: Ways to Help People do Things Better” – Holt challenges conventional schooling and offers alternative ideas for fostering meaningful learning experiences.

"Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners."
-John Holt

“Never Too Late: My Musical Life Story” – While not directly related to education, this autobiography gives you a deeper understanding of John Holt’s life, including his musical pursuits and how they influenced his educational philosophy.

"I always feel, when I hear a great piece of music, that the composer was telling me something—something he wanted me to know, something he couldn't say any other way, and that I can't forget."

John Holt passed away on September 14, 1985. His work continues to influence the field of education and homeschooling to this day and legacy lives on.

Posted on September 11, 2023December 29, 2023
15 Most Profound Brene Brown’s Quotes

15 Most Profound Brene Brown's Quotes

Brene Brown is a renowned researcher, storyteller, and author, who has become a beacon of wisdom in the realms of vulnerability and courage. Her work has illuminated the path to embracing our imperfections, fostering connection, and daring greatly. With her thought-provoking insights and heartfelt words, she has inspired countless individuals on their journey toward self-acceptance and genuine human connection. For me, her work resonates deeply with the themes of child development, parenting, and education. These words offer a guiding light for those seeking to navigate the beautiful complexities of life and relationships.

Brene Brown is not just an author and speaker; she’s also a distinguished researcher. Her TED Talk on vulnerability is one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time.

In addition to her research, Brene Brown has authored several bestselling books, including “Daring Greatly,” “The Gifts of Imperfection,” and “Braving the Wilderness.” These books have resonated with readers worldwide and continue to inspire positive change.

Brown holds a Ph.D. in Social Work and is a research professor at the University of Houston. She is a passionate advocate for embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. She encourages individuals to be open, honest, and authentic in their lives, relationships, and endeavors. Brown’s message reached an even broader audience when she appeared in a Netflix special titled “Brene Brown: The Call to Courage.” In this special, she delves into her research and personal experiences, further cementing her status as a thought leader on vulnerability and courage. You can visit her website here.

Posted on September 2, 2023September 23, 2023
Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming

Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming: How it relates to child development

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a field of psychology and communication that focuses on understanding and improving the way individuals think, communicate, and behave. It was initially developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who aimed to model the behaviors and thought processes of successful people.

NLP is based on several key principles:

Neurological: This aspect refers to the idea that our thoughts and experiences are encoded in our nervous system. NLP seeks to understand how individuals perceive the world through their senses, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.

Linguistic: Language plays a crucial role in how we communicate and understand the world. NLP examines the language patterns people use and how these patterns affect their thinking and behavior.

Programming: This aspect involves the idea that individuals can change their thought patterns and behaviors through a process of “reprogramming.” NLP provides techniques and strategies for modifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to achieve personal and professional goals.

NLP techniques are widely used in various fields, including therapy, coaching, sales, and self-improvement. Some common NLP techniques include:

Anchoring: Creating associations between a specific stimulus (like a touch or a word) and a particular emotional state to trigger that state later.

Reframing: Changing the way an individual perceives a situation by altering the language or context used to describe it.

Mirroring and Matching: Mimicking a person’s behavior, such as their body language and speech patterns, to build rapport and establish a connection.

Swish Pattern: A technique used to replace an unwanted behavior or thought pattern with a more desirable one.

Meta-Model: A set of language patterns and questions designed to clarify and challenge unhelpful or limiting beliefs and statements.

NLP has been both praised and criticized. Some people find it to be a valuable tool for personal development and communication, while others view it as pseudoscience lacking empirical evidence.

If you are in a child development, parenting, and/or education niche, you might find NLP techniques relevant for improving communication skills and understanding how language can impact child development.
However, it’s essential to approach NLP with an open mindset and research and discover what works and doesn’t for you.

A Brief History of NLP

Richard Bandler and John Grinder are the co-founders of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Richard Bandler was born on February 24, 1950, in New Jersey, USA. He is a psychologist, author, and educator.

Bandler is best known for his work in developing NLP. In the early 1970s, he collaborated with John Grinder to model the communication and behavior patterns of successful therapists, including Fritz Perls (Gestalt therapy) and Virginia Satir (family therapy).

Together with Grinder, Bandler wrote the seminal book “The Structure of Magic” (1975), which laid the foundation for NLP by analyzing the language and communication techniques used by effective therapists.
Bandler has conducted NLP seminars and workshops worldwide and has authored or co-authored numerous books on the subject, including “Frogs into Princes” and “Using Your Brain for a Change.”

John Grinder was born on January 10, 1940, in Oklahoma, USA. He is a linguist, author, and educator.

Grinder is renowned for his contributions to NLP, particularly in the area of linguistics. He brought his expertise in transformational grammar and language patterns to the development of NLP.

Alongside Bandler, Grinder co-authored key NLP texts, including “The Structure of Magic” and “Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D.” (1975). These works helped establish NLP as a distinct field.
Beyond NLP, Grinder has been involved in various linguistic and educational projects. He has also collaborated with other thinkers and researchers in areas related to human behavior and communication.

Together, Bandler and Grinder’s collaboration in the early 1970s led to the birth of NLP. They aimed to model and understand the underlying patterns of success in various fields, including therapy, education, and communication.
While NLP has generated both enthusiasm and skepticism, their work laid the foundation for a diverse range of techniques and approaches used in fields such as psychology, coaching, education, and personal development.

How does NLP relate to Child development?

Applied to children, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can have both potential benefits and limitations. Here’s how it can be applied in child development, parenting, and education contexts:

Effective Communication: NLP techniques can help parents and educators communicate more effectively with children. For example, understanding and utilizing a child’s preferred sensory mode (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) can aid in clearer communication. This can be especially useful when explaining concepts or giving instructions.

Behavior Management: NLP offers strategies for behavior management. Techniques like anchoring and reframing can be adapted to help children modify undesirable behaviors and develop more positive ones. For instance, using anchoring, you can associate a particular gesture or word with calmness to help a child manage their emotions.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: NLP can be used to boost a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Techniques such as positive affirmations and visualization can help children visualize success and build self-belief.

Learning Styles: NLP recognizes that people have different learning styles. By identifying a child’s preferred learning style (visual, auditory, or kinesthetic), educators and parents can tailor their teaching methods to better match the child’s learning needs.

Enhancing Creativity: NLP techniques can stimulate a child’s creativity. Activities like metaphor exploration and storytelling can encourage imaginative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Effective Parenting: Parents can use NLP to improve their parenting skills. For example, mirroring and matching techniques can help parents build rapport with their children, making it easier to connect and communicate.

However, it's important to note that NLP is not without its limitations:

Scientific Validity: NLP is often criticized for lacking empirical scientific evidence to support its claims. Some aspects of NLP are considered pseudoscientific by mainstream psychology.

Ethical Considerations: While NLP can be used positively, some critics argue that it has been misused in manipulative or unethical ways. It’s essential to use NLP techniques responsibly and ethically, especially when working with children.

Individual Variability: Not all NLP techniques may work for every child. Children are unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. It’s important to adapt NLP techniques to each child’s specific needs and preferences.

Parental Training: Applying NLP effectively with children may require parents and educators to undergo training in NLP techniques. Without proper training, it can be challenging to use NLP effectively and ethically.

The following are some sources, case studies, and books related to NLP in child development, parenting, and education.

It’s important to focus on reputable publications and research.

“NLP and Education: The Impact on Teaching and Learning” by Peter Barnes and Tony Cresswell.

This book explores the application of NLP in education and provides insights into how NLP techniques can enhance teaching and learning.

“NLP for Teachers: How to Be a Highly Effective Teacher” by David Hodgson

This resource specifically targets teachers and discusses how NLP techniques can improve classroom management, communication with students, and overall teaching effectiveness.

“NLP in Early Childhood” by Jackie O’Keeffe

This book delves into using NLP in early childhood education and offers practical strategies for teachers and parents.

” The NLP Coach: A Comprehensive Guide to Personal Well-Being and Professional Success” by Ian McDermott and Wendy Jago

While not focused solely on children, this book provides valuable insights into NLP coaching techniques that can be adapted for parenting and working with children.

“Ericksonian Approaches to Hypnosis and Psychotherapy” by Jeffrey K. Zeig

This book includes case studies and examples of Ericksonian techniques, which are often integrated into NLP practices.

Research Studies and Journals: Look for academic journals in psychology, education, and child development that may feature studies related to NLP techniques. Some examples include the “Journal of Applied Psychology” and “Child Development.”

Educational Institutions and NLP Practitioner Training Organizations: Organizations that offer NLP practitioner training often provide case studies and research on the effectiveness of NLP techniques in various contexts, including education and parenting. Examples include the International NLP Trainers Association (INLPTA) and the International Association for NLP (IANLP).

Online NLP Communities and Forums: Websites and forums dedicated to NLP often have discussions, case studies, and success stories shared by practitioners and educators. Websites like NLP World and NLP Comprehensive are good places to start.

Online NLP Communities and Forums: Websites and forums dedicated to NLP often have discussions, case studies, and success stories shared by practitioners and educators. Websites like NLP World and NLP Comprehensive are good places to start.

In summary, NLP can offer tools and techniques that may be beneficial in child development, parenting, and education.
Professionals working with children should be well-informed and trained in its application. Additionally, it’s essential to combine NLP with evidence-based practices and consider the unique needs and preferences of each child.
Until next time

Artists Who Painted Their Emotions

Expressing the Inexpressible: How Painters Harness Art to Externalize

Artistes Depicting Their Inner Storms Through Paintings

The Sorrowing Old Man (1890) - Heavy brushstrokes and an anguished face externalize his inner grief and distress.

"I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream." -Vincent Van Gogh

"I paint to evoke a changing language of symbols." - Mark Rothko

"Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can be explored only by those willing to take risks." Mark Rothko

"I don't listen to what art critics say. I don't know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is." Jean Michel Basquiat

"I don't think about art when I am working I think about life."

"The modern artist is expressing an inner world - the energy, motion, and inner forces." - Jackson Pollock

"I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them. Techniques are just a means of arriving at a statement." - Jackson Pollock

"If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing." - Marc Chagall

"From my rotting body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity." Edvard Munch

Looking on the Bright Side: Artists Who Capture Joy

"I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have a light joyousness of springtime, which never lets anyone suspect the labors it has cost me. " -Henri Matisse

"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be." Grandma Moses

"Eventually, my eyes were opened, and I really understood nature. I learned to love at the same time."

"I perhaps owe having to become a painter to flowers." Claude Monet

"Everything starts from a dot." Wassily Kandinsky

"Color is the power that directly influences the soul." Wassily Kandinsky

"Each color lives by mysterious life." Wassily Kandinsky

Yellow-Red-Blue has a rhythmic, melodic quality with its sequence of forms and colors. Kandinsky described it as a "symphony."

Discloser- All images on this blog post were sourced from wikiart.org and Wikimedia Commons which are public domains. The links are down below.

John Holt: Pioneering Education Through Freedom and Curiosity

A Brief Overview of John Holt

How Children Fail

"After all, if they won't blame you or punish you for not being able to do what you have been told to do, then they can't get you to do it, and you won't do it, and they will have lost some of their power over you." -John Holt in 'How Children Fail'

Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book Of Homeschooling

"Children do not need to be made to learn about the world, or shown how. They want to, and they know how."-John Holt

"The true test of intelligence is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don’t know what to do." -John Holt

"Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners."-John Holt

"I always feel, when I hear a great piece of music, that the composer was telling me something—something he wanted me to know, something he couldn't say any other way, and that I can't forget."

15 Most Profound Brene Brown's Quotes

Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming: How it relates to child development

NLP is based on several key principles:

A Brief History of NLP

How does NLP relate to Child development?

However, it's important to note that NLP is not without its limitations:

The following are some sources, case studies, and books related to NLP in child development, parenting, and education.

"Children do not need to be made to learn about the world, or shown how. They want to, and they know how."
-John Holt

"Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners."
-John Holt