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I am releasing a classic episode which was recorded when the podcast was called The Mystic Discoveries. The topic of the 12 year old change and parenting/teaching through the teen years is so important I decided its time to re-release it. I went through and edited it a it to remove some of my ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’, so it’s a more flowy listening experience.

Today we discuss the spiritual, physical and social changes teens go through and how the Waldorf curriculum meets them. Annie offers wonderful insights and advice for parents and teachers of teens/soon to be teens. Although we started off with the intention of discussion 2 particular things, it became another great discussion that would be great for people to listen to who are new to Waldorf. 

We start off by introducing the fourfold human being for those who may not be familiar with the concept. It is important in understanding the more spiritual aspects of what is happening to the child/teen.

The 12 year old change is an event most Waldorf teachers and Waldorfy parents are aware of. It is quite a significant part of a child’s development. We talked a few years ago about the 9 year old change which may be a good episode to listen to before or after this one. We are discussing these turning points not from a position of dread or warning, but more from an angle of being prepared, open and loving towards the changes your child will go through.

Teens often get a bad rep and its partly due to adults not fully understanding their consciousness and their needs. Annie made a great comment between the difference of ‘exploring’ and ‘rebelling’. Teens naturally want and need to explore, this is healthy. They rebel when they feel oppressed, misunderstood and not heard. Annie has so may observations and suggestions when it comes to maintaining boundaries, and laying the foundations of that in early childhood.

We also discuss the importance of rhythm and routine, not just for 0-7 year old children, but right up to 18 and beyond!

Apologies for my voice being a tad flat the week, I am fighting the onset of a cold!

Connect with Annie at www.thechildisthecurriculum.com or on Instagram @thechildisthecurriculum and look into buying one of her threefold planning calendars co-designed by her and her awesome son.

You can follow me on Instagram @holistic_human_aotearoa

Thanks for listening!

:Reading List:

By Rudolf Steiner:

“Soul Economy”

“Education for Adolescents”

“The Spirit of the Waldorf School”

“A Modern Art Of Education”

“Discussions With Teachers”

“Education as a force for Social Change”

“Waldorf Education & Anthroposophy”

“On the Threshold of Adolescence” Herman Koepeke