How to Raise Your Child Like a Genius: The Secrets of Rousseau’s 5 Stages of Development

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a famous philosopher and educationalist who believed that children should develop a strong, virtuous character, the ability to reason, and a refined sense of sentiment. He wrote a book called “Emile, or On Education” where he described his ideal model of education through the story of a boy named Emile. In this book, he divided the development of Emile into five stages, each with its own goals and methods. In this blog post, we will explore these stages and see how they can inspire us to raise happy and virtuous children in the modern world.

Stage 1: Infancy (birth to 2 years)

The first stage of development is infancy, where the child is mostly guided by his senses and instincts. Rousseau believed that the child should be free to explore his natural environment and learn from his own experience. He also argued that the child should not be spoiled by too much attention or indulgence from his parents or caregivers. Instead, he should face some difficulties and challenges that would help him develop his physical strength, courage and self-reliance.

Some examples of activities that Rousseau suggested for this stage are:

• Letting the child crawl, walk and run around without too much interference or restriction.
• Providing the child with simple toys that stimulate his curiosity and imagination, such as balls, blocks, and dolls.
• Avoiding artificial rewards or punishments that would interfere with the child’s natural motivation and morality.
• Teaching the child basic manners and hygiene through imitation and repetition.

One example of a real person who followed this stage of education is Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori method of education. She was born in Italy in 1870 and grew up in a family that encouraged her curiosity and independence. She became one of the first female doctors in Italy and devoted her life to studying and improving the education of children. She observed that children learn best when they are free to choose their own activities and materials in a prepared environment that meets their developmental needs. She designed various toys and materials that allowed children to explore their senses, movements, language and math skills at their own pace. She also respected the individuality and dignity of each child and avoided any form of reward or punishment that would undermine their intrinsic motivation.

Stage 2: Childhood (2 to 12 years)

The second stage of development is childhood, where the child begins to use his memory and imagination more actively. Rousseau believed that this stage was the best time to develop the child’s intellectual abilities, but not through formal schooling or abstract reasoning. Instead, he advocated for a natural education that would foster the child’s curiosity, creativity and practical skills. He also emphasized the importance of moral education that would instill in the child a sense of justice, compassion and respect for others.

Some examples of activities that Rousseau suggested for this stage are:

• Encouraging the child to ask questions and seek answers through observation and experimentation.
• Providing the child with books, stories and games that stimulate his interest and imagination, such as fables, myths and puzzles.
• Exposing the child to different cultures, languages and arts that enrich his knowledge and appreciation of diversity.
• Involving the child in social activities that teach him cooperation, responsibility and empathy, such as playing with other children, helping with household chores and caring for animals.

One example of a real person who followed this stage of education is Albert Einstein, the famous physicist who developed the theory of relativity. He was born in Germany in 1879 and showed an early interest in science and math. He was not very fond of school, where he felt bored and constrained by rigid rules and rote learning. He preferred to learn on his own by reading books, conducting experiments and playing games. He also had a strong sense of morality and justice, which led him to question authority and support pacifism. He was fascinated by different cultures and languages and learned to speak several of them. He also enjoyed playing the violin and listening to music.

Stage 3: Preadolescence (12 to 15 years)

The third stage of development is preadolescence, where the child experiences significant physical and emotional changes. Rousseau believed that this stage was the most critical and difficult one, as it involved the transition from childhood to adulthood. He argued that the child should be guided by a wise and caring tutor who would help him cope with his new feelings and impulses. He also stressed the need for a moral education that would prepare him for his future role in society.

Some examples of activities that Rousseau suggested for this stage are:

• Introducing the child to more complex and challenging subjects that require logic and analysis, such as mathematics, science and history.
• Engaging the child in physical activities that improve his health and fitness, such as sports, hiking and gardening.
• Inspiring the child to develop his passions and talents that express his individuality, such as music, poetry and painting.
• Educating the child about sexuality and relationships in a respectful and honest way.

One example of a real person who followed this stage of education is Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who advocated for girls’ education in Pakistan. She was born in 1997 and grew up in a family that valued education and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. She was an avid reader and writer who loved learning about different topics. She also participated in various sports and activities that kept her fit and happy. She developed a strong sense of morality and justice, which motivated her to speak out against the oppression and violence of the Taliban regime. She also learned about sexuality and relationships from her parents and friends who supported her with love and respect.

Stage 4: Adolescence (15 to 20 years)

The fourth stage of development is adolescence, where the child becomes more independent and mature. Rousseau believed that this stage was the time to complete the child’s education by exposing him to different aspects of life. He suggested that the child should travel around the world with his tutor and learn from various people and experiences. He also proposed that the child should choose a profession that suits his abilities and interests.

Some examples of activities that Rousseau suggested for this stage are:

• Exploring different countries and cultures that broaden the child’s perspective and understanding of humanity.
• Meeting different people who can offer valuable insights and advice on various topics.
• Participating in different projects or causes can make a positive difference in society.
• Deciding on a career path that matches his passion and talent.

One example of a real person who followed this stage of education is Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and a visionary leader in the technology industry. He was born in 1955 and was adopted by a loving family that supported his curiosity and creativity. He dropped out of college after one semester and traveled to India to seek spiritual enlightenment. He also met different people who influenced his ideas and vision, such as Steve Wozniak, his partner in creating Apple, and Zen master Kobun Chino Otogawa, his mentor and friend. He participated in various projects and causes that changed the world, such as the personal computer, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. He decided on a career path that combined his passion for technology and design with his talent for innovation and leadership.

Stage 5: Adulthood (20 years and beyond)

The fifth and final stage of development is adulthood, where the child becomes a fully-fledged member of society. Rousseau believed that this stage was the culmination of the child’s education and the realization of his potential. He hoped that the child would become a happy and virtuous citizen who would contribute to the common good. He also envisioned that the child would find a suitable partner who would share his values and goals.

Some examples of activities that Rousseau suggested for this stage are:

• Living according to the principles of natural law and social contract that respect the rights and duties of oneself and others.
• Engaging in civic activities that promote democracy, justice and peace.
• Pursuing one’s personal happiness and fulfillment without harming others or oneself.
• Raising one’s own children according to the same model of education that one received.

One example of a real person who followed this stage of education is Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who fought against apartheid and racism. He was born in 1918 and grew up in a tribal culture that taught him respect for elders and community. He studied law and became a lawyer and an activist who defended the rights of oppressed people. He spent 27 years in prison for his political activities but never gave up his hope and vision for a free and democratic South Africa. He became the first black president of South Africa in 1994 and led the country to reconciliation and peace. He found a suitable partner in Graça Machel, who shared his values and goals. He raised his own children and grandchildren according to his model of education, which emphasized courage, compassion and integrity.

Conclusion

Rousseau’s 5 stages of child development offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to education that aims to nurture the whole person. His ideas have influenced many educators and thinkers who have followed him, such as Maria Montessori, John Dewey, and Jean Piaget. While some of his methods may seem outdated or impractical in today’s world, his principles remain relevant and inspiring. By following his guidance, we can help our children grow into happy and virtuous adults who can make the world a better place.