FREEPORT

We need to stop overprotecting our children.

Jack Petrash, a teacher for more than 30 years and author of “Understanding Waldorf Education,” will expound upon that message tonight and Saturday, during presentations at Merriconeag Waldorf School. Petrash will deliver a public talk at 7 p.m. tonight, and offer a workshop entitled “The Art of Raising Strong, Resilient Children” at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Petrash posited that we devote excessive attention to our children.

“We intervene too much when they have difficulties,” Petrash said. “We hire coaches. It’s there that we cross the line. It’s not the end of the world when they strike out.”

There is a $10 suggested donation at the door Friday, and the cost of Saturday’s workshop is $30 per family of adults. Those interested should visit www.merriconeag.org or call 865-3900.

Merriconeag Waldorf School, founded in 1984, provides its students with a “Waldorf Education.” Developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, Waldorf Education is based on a profound understanding of human development that addresses the needs of the growing child. Waldorf teachers strive to transform education into an art that educates the whole child—the heart and the hands, as well as the head.

The school is part of a worldwide movement that encompasses more than 1,000 schools.

Petrash will relate that, to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world, our children will need to be, among other things, resilient, and disciplined. He will explore how we can develop these essential qualities and instill in each child a “reservoir of strength.”

The book “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee,” by clinical psychologist Wendy Mogel.

“Strength comes from failure,” Petrash said. “We have to teach our children to have the ability to persevere. That’s an important aspect in succeeding. Successful business leaders build on unsuccessful experiences.”

Grit, Petrash says, is a great quality. Good mathematics students, for example, keep on working and keep on trying to correct their mistakes.

“Children in Asia do this, while American children give up,” he said.

All of this presents a big challenge to parents.

“We have to live within the paradox,” Petrash said. “In sports, we affirm effort. On the other hand, you must challenge them. We ‘goodjob’ our children into submission today, but how many times have they really done a good job?”

lgrard@timesrecord.com