National Dream Day is a children’s holiday celebrated each year on the 27th of August. It is a special day put aside to remind us to encourage our children to talk about their aspirations without the risk of criticism. The date is significant, because on this day in 1963, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. gave one of the most powerful speeches of all times, “I Have a Dream”. His dream was that all people in the US would be treated equally. This was unheard of in 1963, but because he shared his dream and others agreed, action was taken, and in 1964 the Civil Rights Act came into power. The basis for his dream came true and we should believe our children’s dreams could too.
Encouraging Your Children to Dream
Our children’s beds are where their dreams stem from. Dreams aren't only the stories we experience at night when we’re are safely tucked up in their beds. Although we know how important a good night’s sleep is for little minds, we know dreams come in many forms. Daydreams or conscious dreams are important too. And every imaginative child has them. Whether it’s imagining a birthday party they’d like to have or imagining what they want to be when they grow up, it’s important to encourage them to dream.
What Are the Benefits of Dreaming?
When children have dreams, no matter how improbable, it’s important for parents and guardians to listen and not immediately dismiss their ideas as impossible. Dreaming is good for the imagination, and when parents ask questions about a child’s dreams, such as, ‘What would you need to make that come true?’ it introduces children to a host of life skills. Dreaming is just another word for aspiring. When we have aspirations, we have goals. Goals require thought, planning, motivation and dedication.
Help Them on Their Way
As parents, there are lots of ways you can support the realisation of your children’s dreams. Ask them to write down their dreams. This makes the dream more tangible. Help them to research their ideas to see what is needed. Write a plan of action with a timeline and goals so your child understands what they need to do to succeed. Most importantly, show them you support them and believe in their abilities to make it happen.
And remember, dreams are fragile and often fleeting. Even if your child’s dreams change from day to day, it’s always important to take them seriously. When it comes to realising our dreams, it is often a case of practice makes perfect.
Until next time,
Jada x
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