Personal Growth School for Kids
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Positively Healthy Mom Podcast! I’m Laura Ollinger, and today I’m thrilled to introduce you to Joanna Tabaku, the founder of Thrive School in San Diego. Joanna’s school focuses on the social-emotional development and personal growth of elementary school children. Let’s dive into what makes this school so unique and how it can benefit our kids.
The Gap in Education
Joanna highlights a significant gap between the current education system and the rapidly progressing world. While technology and personal development advance, traditional academics often lag behind. Joanna's school aims to bridge this gap by integrating personal growth and emotional regulation from a young age, starting as early as five.
The Three Pillars: Happy, Healthy, Wealthy
Thrive School is built on three pivotal pillars: happy, healthy, and wealthy. Joanna believes that when children learn to be happy and emotionally regulated, they can better appreciate their health and pursue wealth—not just in monetary terms but also in experiences and passions.
The Inspiration Behind Thrive School
Joanna’s frustration as a mom of twins led her to create Thrive School. She realized that traditional schools were not addressing all aspects of a child’s development. Her goal was to create an environment where kids could thrive academically and personally, allowing for flexibility and parental involvement, especially for families who travel frequently.
Implementing Personal Development in Education
Joanna's school will integrate personal development with academics. The curriculum is designed to include lessons on emotional regulation, self-awareness, and following one’s passions. For example, students will learn to interrupt negative patterns, practice positive self-talk, and explore various problem-solving techniques.
Tips for Parents
Joanna shared some practical tips for parents that can be implemented immediately:
Give Yourself Breathing Space: Take a moment to appreciate the hard work you’re doing as a parent.
Turn Seriousness into Fun: Break the pattern of seriousness by being goofy and playful with your kids.
Interrupt Negative Patterns: Use techniques like cold showers or jumping on a trampoline to quickly change your mindset and energy.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate positive behaviors and emotional regulation to your children. They are more likely to follow what you show them rather than what you tell them.
Creating a Positive Culture
Joanna emphasizes the importance of creating a positive culture within the home and school. By setting a positive tone at home, parents can influence their children’s attitudes and behaviors, which can then ripple out to their peers and teachers.
Hiring the Right Teachers
Thrive School seeks teachers who are not only academically qualified but also passionate about personal development. Joanna believes in hiring educators who demonstrate a commitment to growth and self-improvement, as they can effectively guide students in their personal development journey.
The Curriculum
Joanna has developed a curriculum that merges traditional academics with personal development concepts. The school will start with a strong focus on self-awareness and emotional regulation before integrating more academic subjects. The curriculum is designed to be experiential, project-based, and flexible, allowing for a more personalized learning experience.
Looking Forward
Joanna’s vision extends beyond San Diego. She plans to open more schools and eventually offer online programs to reach a broader audience. Additionally, her upcoming book will provide parents with practical tips and insights to support their children’s personal growth at home.
Final Thoughts
Joanna’s key message to parents is to always act from a place of love and faith rather than fear. By being self-loving and serving our children with compassion, we can create a more positive and fulfilling environment for them to grow.
Call to Action
If you found this conversation enlightening, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode with Joanna Tabaku. Stay tuned for updates on her book and more information about Thrive School. Let’s work together to nurture happy, healthy, and wealthy children.
Thank you for joining us, and stay positively healthy!
