HEALTH & HOMESCHOOL
www.icenimagazine.co.uk
Issue 89 2020
Health & Homeschool When it comes to the physical and mental health of my children, I’ve always believed it’s far more important for them to ‘be well’ than to ‘do well’. I’m also a firm believer in giving children choices. Compartmentalising a child’s education within a systematic routine seems to be largely accepted globally as the typical parental choice or obligation. However, evidence suggests that the environment of conventional schooling presents well-being issues for children of all ages. The most commonly recognised and monitored mental health issues of children in mainstream UK schools include anxiety disorders, eating disorders and mood disorders. While mental health labels can be useful for increasing awareness and understanding of a child’s sensitivities, fears, triggers or fragilities, does the constant labelling actually help? Does categorising and correcting the behaviours of children disparage their individuality? Our mainstream school model subjects children to schedules, categories and grades.
For children who display disordered behaviours in this environment, perhaps it would be more beneficial to remove the boundaries surrounding them. Without boundaries and expectations, many behavioural patterns would not be regarded as problematic. And without pressure to conform/perform, which can apply intensity and scrutiny to the behaviours of children, patterns of behaviour will sometimes naturally abate. My own daughter is anxious by nature. As we home educate with a relaxed and child-led approach, we are not bound by a tight schedule and therefore nothing is forced or pressured, largely she is free to create her own boundaries and in contrast tear them down. Homeschool gives her the space and freedom to address and resolve her anxieties, processing and managing them in her own way. It’s wonderful to watch her independently break down her reservations and reluctance, and negotiate conditions under which she feels comfortable. Many issues we work around at home I feel would present greater challenges for her under the conditions of a mainstream school. For example, her fussy eating habits were never
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