Japanese Easy Tip to Make Children Shine : Magic Two Words in Childhood Aesthetic Development

Learning from a Mother of Japanese Olympic Medalist

When my daughter was just a baby, I came across an inspiring interview with the mother of Olympic synchronized swimming bronze medalist Mikako Kotani. Her approach to nurturing Mikako's senses captivated me, as she emphasized the importance of highlighting beauty around her. This insight soon reshaped the way I interacted with my daughter. Each time we encountered something lovely—whether it was a vibrant painting or a blooming flower—I would express my admiration, saying, “That’s beautiful, isn’t it?” although she didn’t understand my words yet. Overtime this simple two words “ That’s beautiful” became a common expression in our daily lives.

Surprising Effect of Beauty in Childhood Development

Fast forward to when my daughter turned eight, and she pointed out a full-bloom tree in a yard of a kindergarten, tears in her eyes, exclaiming, “Beautiful!” At that moment, I was struck by how much I had overlooked that tree. I found myself preoccupied with the busyness of life, just like many parents I observed lately, who seemed to be absorbed in their phones while pushing strollers. The captivating beauty of nature and art can often be lost in our distractions. It reminded me of something neuroscientist T.J. Power pointed out: smartphones can be detrimental to our focus and can even lead to mood swings, especially for those with ADHD. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, redirecting our attention to the beauty that surrounds us can have profound benefits.

By the way, as a result, my daughter became a prominent hip-hop dancer during her university years as a member of her university’s renowned dance team.

Replacing Screens with Beauty Education

Nurturing our children’s appreciation for beauty is not just about aesthetic enjoyment; it's about fostering their emotional and cognitive development. Instead of relying on devices to keep our kids entertained, we can teach them to revel in the wonders of nature and artistic expression. For instance, I started encouraging my daughter to notice the colors in leaves or the intricacies of a flower garden, turning each outing into an exploration of beauty. This not only enriches her vocabulary but also strengthens our bond as we marvel at the world together.

Please remember, nurturing a mindset that celebrates beauty can promote well-rounded development in children, preparing them for challenges ahead, just as it helped Mikako Kotani rise to Olympic heights. So let's strive to engage with our surroundings actively. As we encourage our young ones to appreciate beauty, we instill in them the foundation for a balanced perspective on life, one where they can harness positive emotions and enhance their focus.