School's Not Good

It has not been easy for one of our young artists, a 10-year-old boy, to return to school.

His mum had sent me a string of messages, clearly worried: He wasn’t following instructions. He walked around the classroom whenever he liked. He resisted any form of guidance.

Just one week in — and it already felt like too much for everyone.

When they arrived at stART Studio today, I sat down with both parents and shared this: Instead of pushing him to follow every instruction and rule, let’s try something different: Let's figure out what works for him. Let’s find his inner motivation instead of focusing on what he did wrong.

So I let him paint. No pressure. No expectations. Just the joy of expressing himself.

Afterwards, I took him to a nearby café. We talked. Heart to heart.

“How was the first week of school?” I asked.

“Not good,” he replied.

“Then why go to school?” I asked playfully.

“Just tell Mummy you don’t need to go anymore.”

He paused, surprised by what he had just heard.

“Because I go there to learn,” he replied.

And that simple truth opened the door. We talked about learning, life, purpose, and the power of choice.

We broke down how many more years of learning he might have from Primary School, Secondary School, College, University, Post-Graduate Studies, and if he wants to be known as Dr. D, he can pursue a PhD, totalling maybe 20 more years.

Then I asked: “If you’re going to live till 80 or 90 or even 100, is 20 years long or short?”

He thought for a moment.“Short,” he said.

From there, we discussed how he plans to spend those years. He could continue to cause trouble for himself, his parents, teachers, and possibly even the police...

Or

He could choose to channel his energy into something meaningful, such as becoming wiser by helping his friends with their learning or finding ways to build himself and his school.

As we wrapped up, I gave him a hug and a high-five.

And reminded him how proud I have always been of him.

Because sometimes...It’s not about forcing a child to change.

It’s about helping them see why they might want to.

With heart,

Elfin

Founder, stART Studio

Crafting Confidence, One Brushstroke at a Time