As both an educator and a parent this time in lockdown has given me the time to think about what I want to teach my children and what I think is important for them to know.

What will make them the kind of people that not only are academically successful but that are successful in life and in relationships.

I have found myself straying away from the basic academics such as subordinate clauses and focusing my children's learning around the issues that have presented themselves, those focused on in the media and those they witness in the world around them.

We have talked about why the government can make decisions and enforce rules upon us.

The recent news coverage of the protests in relation to George Floyd have made even my 8 year old cross that some people are not given the same treatment simply because of a difference like skin colour. But not only that that the very people who he believes to be the role models of how to behave in society could be capable of such treatment. Surely Police are the good guys?

This got me thinking how do I teach my children to stand up for those around them, to express their points of view while at the same time recognise that those people they believe to be right may not be.

I need to teach my children to not only recognise injustices, but to question the route of these injustices and to seek to become educators themselves. I want to give them the ability to question their beliefs rather than rigidly stick to a view.

I want my children to be the kind of people that stand up for what they believe, and to positively influence those around them. To recognise people can change. I want them to believe people can change so they don't give up or more importantly so they don't give in.

I want them to think before they act up in defence of others, so that when they do their actions can inspire change. Change by making those around them question their own views too. Making change by the power of inspiring others and not using their fists to force change.

If like me this is your wish for your children, you have probably already started to look at ways you can support them in developing those skills. Thats why I believe charities like SAV are so important. They play a crucial role in educating children for life not just exams.