#0056: Parenting Lessons from Hunter-Gatherers

Reading time: 9.00 min

Hey !!👋

This week let's read about:

• Tips from Hunter-gatherers to raise happy kids

• Roaming around the streets of Bansko

• Parallels Between Worldschoolers and Hunter-gatherer’s way of Learning

Hello,
When considering parenting, there is much we can learn from hunter-gatherer families. Hunter-gatherer societies have a wealth of wisdom to offer when it comes to raising children.

Their parenting practices are often rooted in principles that prioritize community, connection with nature, and a holistic approach to child development.

By studying and embracing aspects such as fostering independence, promoting cooperation, and instilling a deep respect for the natural world, we can gain valuable insights from hunter-gatherer families on nurturing resilient, adaptable, and well-rounded individuals.

A study by Dr. Nikhil Chaudhary and Dr. Annie Swanepoel explores how hunter-gatherer children learn and develop, offering insights that can enhance modern parenting approaches.

1. Caregiving Competence:

• Older siblings playing a greater role in supporting parents can promote social development and strengthen familial bonds.

• Emphasizing the importance of caregiving competence, which is often limited in developed countries due to the focus on schooling.

2. Learning Approaches:

• Hunter-gatherer children primarily learn through observation, imitation, and active play practice.

• Participating in mixed-age playgroups without adult supervision allows children to acquire skills and knowledge collaboratively, contrasting with the structured approach of classroom schooling.

3. Integration of Play and Work:

• Hunter-gatherer children seamlessly integrate play and work, viewing them as interconnected activities.

• Playgroups play a significant role in facilitating learning, enabling children to acquire skills incidentally within the social fabric of their lives.

Lessons for Modern Parents: While recognizing the unique circumstances of hunter-gatherer societies, there are valuable lessons that modern parents can apply:

1. Encourage older siblings to actively participate in caregiving, promoting social development and fostering stronger family bonds.

2. Create opportunities for collaborative learning through mixed-age playgroups, allowing children to acquire skills and knowledge collectively.

3. Embrace the integration of play and work, recognizing that children can learn valuable skills through playful activities.

Looking back at the practices of hunter-gatherer families offers valuable insights for modern parents.

Adi is on a virtual trip to Bansko.

Adi has been traveling virtually with Maya, as they drove from Sofia to Bansko.

Maya shared the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, streams, and lush forests that passed by.

Maya shares lovely stories about the things they like to do in Bansko.

Adi was mesmerized by the old-world charm that Bansko had to offer, as well as the modern amenities available in this small mountain town.

Adi shared about the rising temperature in India and how he prefers to stay indoors in the summer.

He cannot wait to learn more about the local culture, language, and cuisine on his virtual tour.

Do you find a similarity between the worldschooling approach and how foragers raised their families?

Foragers, also known as hunter-gatherers, are societies that rely on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for their subsistence.

They live in small, mobile groups and have a deep connection with nature. Foragers typically have extensive knowledge of their environment and rely on their skills to obtain food, shelter, and other resources.

Worldschooling families, on the other hand, are families who choose to educate their children through non-traditional means, often by traveling and experiencing different cultures and environments.

Similarities between the parenting style observed in hunter-gatherer families and the concept of worldschooling:

1. Emphasis on experiential learning: Hunter-gatherer children learn through active participation in daily activities and hands-on experiences while worldschooling encourages learning through real-world experiences, exploration of different cultures, and immersion in diverse environments.

2. Autonomy and freedom: Hunter-gatherer children have the freedom to explore their surroundings and make choices within safe boundaries, and worldschooling often involves giving children the opportunity to shape their own learning experiences and follow their interests and passions.

3. Learning from the environment and community: Hunter-gatherer children learn from their immediate surroundings and the expertise of older family members and the community,

   while worldschooling often involves learning from local communities, engaging with local traditions, and gaining knowledge from diverse cultural contexts.

4. Flexible and personalized learning: In hunter-gatherer societies, children learn at their own pace and engage in activities that align with their interests and abilities.

   Similarly, worldschooling allows children to learn in a way that suits their individual needs, adapting educational experiences to their strengths and preferences.

5. Valuing non-formal education: Hunter-gatherer societies rely on practical skills and knowledge acquired through lived experiences,

   while worldschooling often seeks alternatives to traditional classroom-based education, embracing a more holistic and flexible approach to learning.

6. Community and social connections: Hunter-gatherer families and worldschooling both recognize the importance of community and social connections in a child's education. Hunter-gatherer societies emphasize the collective effort in raising children, with extended family members and the community playing an active role.

   Similarly, worldschooling encourages children to engage with diverse communities, fostering social skills, empathy, and an understanding of different cultures.

Worldschooling incorporates elements from different cultures and educational practices to provide a unique educational experience for children, allowing them to learn from the world around them.

cheers, Priyanka

Google Calendar is a valuable tool for families to optimize their time and schedule their day effectively.

With Google Calendar's features, families can streamline their daily routines, improve time management, and ensure that everyone is on track and well-informed.

Listen to Adi as he speaks about the Benefits of Video gaming on Twitter space, answering questions from adults. You can listen to the podcast here

Global School is a podcast hosted on Twitter by Joe Lu, Sumay Lu, Aquinas, Chris Staffeldt, David Meier, Mboya, Adi, and myself. The podcast explores a diverse range of topics, including entrepreneurship, education, video games, and even extraterrestrial life. With a mix of insightful discussions, thought-provoking conversations, and a touch of curiosity,

Global School offers listeners a unique and engaging perspective on these subjects. Whether you're interested in exploring the world of startups, reimagining education, diving into the world of gaming, or pondering the mysteries of the universe, Global School is the podcast that covers it all.