Go Deep Not Wide

One of the best things I read — or let's be real, probably saw on an Instagram Reel or TikTok — was this concept of going deep, not wide, when it comes to your child's interests.

It sounds like something you would automatically do, but the idea of constantly showing your child new and different things to create exposure is exciting and can sometimes overshadow what they're actually interested in.

So I think it applies to learning as well as play.

Like with the learning board, I try to focus on the engagement as much as possible. Some kids like movement or repetition or songs. Some like quiet and still. Some like change and variation.

The goal is to go deep.

So when you see your child engaging with something in real time, clock it. Pay attention. Then use that information when you're structuring any kind of "teaching" you're doing at home.

For example, if a child loves physical activity, maybe start with the movement portion of the lesson and then transition into something that requires a bit more focus while still incorporating movement.

There are no rules.

Another example: if a child is motivated by praise, maybe start with the sections they already know and then move into newer areas. Building confidence and momentum is key. Nothing needs to be done "in order." What order? Who decided that order?

Also, completion.

Of course, this is age-dependent, but I think engagement is so much more important than completion. If your child isn't interested, move on.

As adults, I think that's really hard for us to do because it can feel like quitting. But it's not quitting if you come back to it another time.

Ultimately, your child is going to enjoy what they enjoy, so you might as well get on board.

Go deep, not wide.