Are you feeling anxious because others are starting their children on early education programs? “Should I start something too?”

Please, take a deep breath. As someone who has worked in childcare and education for many years, I want to share something important with you.

1. Data on Early Education Did you know that research suggests for some children, pushing early education too soon can be counterproductive? In some cases, children who were not pushed early on actually caught up to or even surpassed their peers in academic ability later on. The key is not to force a “one-size-fits-all” approach, but to respect each child’s natural pace.

2. Praising “Effort” over “Results” Psychology tells us that how we praise our children matters.

• Children praised for “results” (ability) tend to avoid challenges because they are afraid of failing and losing their “smart” label.
• Children praised for “effort” (process) become more resilient, seeing failure as a chance to grow and try harder.

3. Creating an “Ibasho” (Safe Place) What I call an “Ibasho”—a place where a child truly belongs—is the real foundation. It’s more important than cramming knowledge. When a child feels they are loved and accepted, even if they fail, they gain the security needed to find their own “Ikigai” (reason for living) in the future.

Final Thoughts I grow flowers in my garden, starting from seeds, completely pesticide-free. It takes a long time for a seed to sprout and bloom, but flowers grown with patience are the strongest and most beautiful. Children are the same. Please don’t rush. The time you spend watching them grow, exactly as they are, is the greatest gift for their future.

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