The lifelong benefits of lifelong learning
You want the best possible life for your child — every parent does. You work tirelessly to make sure your child has everything they need. Still, some things are out of your control. You give them guidance and instill in them the values needed to face the challenges that come their way, hoping they grow into independent, successful adults. Eventually, you have to trust you did your best. Lifelong learning can help.
Lifelong learning is about staying curious and taking the initiative to independently learn and grow. Lifelong learning is built upon five “self” muscles that act as pillars to the best self possible: self-discipline, self-motivation, self-improvement, self-reliance, and self-confidence. Like all muscles, the more work they do, the stronger and more resilient they become.
The sooner your child adopts lifelong learning, the sooner they can get on the right track to a fulfilling, independent life. It can be difficult for your child to understand the importance of embracing this lifestyle or recognizing its benefits, so lead by example, assist in making long-term goals, and provide encouragement.
Self-Discipline
Lifelong learning builds self-discipline, meaning your child will study, complete assignments, and do what they plan to do on time and without being told. They can rely on this self-study outside of school to figure out what habits, schedules, and methods work best for them as everyone is different. By perfecting their own routine and building the habit of consistent learning and practicing, your child will become a responsible learner outside of school and accomplish even more in life.
In the beginning, your child will still need your help, so give advice as they work on creating habits and routines. Do they work better when they focus for an hour,, then take a thirty-minute break? Are they more likely to complete homework if they do it right after school? Habits also take time to form, so give them gentle reminders in the beginning.
Self-Motivation
If your child strengthens their self-motivation muscle, they won’t have to wait for inspiration to strike to roll up their sleeves and get to work! Lifelong learning means your child should be enthusiastic about and take responsibility for what they choose to learn on their own. Your child should ask themselves why they want to learn something new (the purpose) and how they will learn it (the method). You can work on those questions with your child. The answers will give them the motivation they need to say farewell to procrastination!
Also, if you encourage them often, they will start to encourage themselves. Your child will associate taking action with positive feelings and be able to do work even on days they just don’t feel like it.
Self-Improvement
Lifelong learning teaches your child to always work on improving themselves and the overall quality of their life, including good health and relationships. For health, simple acts like reading and picking up a new instrument can reduce stress levels, improve memory, offset cognitive decline, and increase the life span. For socializing, your child can bond with others over new hobbies and skills as well as communicate more clearly. Having a good social life can, in turn, boost happiness and networking skills.
The best way to help your child seek improvement is to become a role model. Show that you are always trying to elevate your own life, whether it’s by exercising consistently or learning new languages. You could even do these activities with your child.
Self-Reliance
Children rely on adults for assistance, but eventually, they will become the adults they can count on! This is important because learning and homework never end. For your child’s career, they will have to keep studying on their own time by attending seminars or reading. In their personal life, they will have new responsibilities like filing taxes. Although your child can continue receiving lessons or guidance, self-reliance means they will try to figure something out on their own before asking for help!
You can gradually let your child try things on their own, giving gentle nudges and tips as necessary. Then, celebrate whether they succeed or fail, so they know that the important thing here is they tried their best. Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help, but they should try things on their own first.
Self-Confidence
If your child is confident, they will never stop trying or putting themselves out there! Thankfully, nothing boosts confidence like tackling a challenge and learning they can do it on their own, and that’s exactly what lifelong learning is all about. The more your child fails, persists, then ultimately succeeds, the more they will have faith in themselves and know they can overcome anything since they’ve done it before. Self-confidence will help them do well on job interviews, take smart risks, and grow leadership skills.
Confidence comes from repeatedly trying new things in spite of fear or anxiety, so gently nudge your child out of their comfort zone. Help your child understand their strengths and explain that their weaknesses are not disadvantages.
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The benefits of lifelong learning are limitless, just like your child’s potential. JEI Learning Center believes in every child’s infinite potential, which is why we are experts on lifelong learning with our JEI Self-Learning MethodⓇ. We know the long-term goal is giving your child the best life, and so everything we do is toward that greater vision. Rather than come up with solutions to immediate issues, like upping a grade from B to A, we bolster consistent study habits so the learning never stops.
To help your child embark on this journey of lifelong learning to their best life possible, find a JEI Learning Center near you!
