The Initial Step: Identifying the Right Queries

Let me illustrate the importance of asking the right questions with a poignant example. Residing in Melbourne with my husband and our three wonderful sons, I can attest to the city's unfortunate reputation as the most locked-down area globally. We endured an astonishing 263 days of restrictions. During this challenging time, schools shifted to remote learning, and I had the unique opportunity to observe how each of my sons adapted to this new reality.

My youngest son was in primary school at the time, and his institution prioritized academic performance. Their focus seemed to be on the question: "How can we effectively deliver our curriculum remotely to achieve academic success?" Although they never explicitly stated this, their actions conveyed it clearly. This scenario raises a significant point about our awareness of the questions that influence our actions and decision-making—perhaps the school staff weren't even conscious of the underlying queries driving their behaviors.

They maintained pre-pandemic methods, imposing strict rules, and penalizing students for non-compliance. When I reached out to the principal to emphasize that the primary concern should be the children's well-being rather than just academic achievement, my concerns were disregarded. Many other parents shared similar frustrations.

The Necessity of Reevaluating Our Questions

The breaking point for me was the inflexible policy regarding attendance at Zoom calls, which mandated punctuality and camera usage at all times. If a child was late logging in, they were barred from participating. The educators showed little understanding of potential technical difficulties or other legitimate reasons for tardiness. The extraordinary circumstances we were all facing seemed to hold no weight; only academic performance mattered.

One morning, my son approached me, visibly upset. He explained that he had encountered technical issues and was expelled from the session by his teacher, with no opportunity for reentry. To me, this felt like bullying. Consequently, I made the difficult decision to withdraw him from that school.

I share this painful experience to emphasize the vital importance of questioning our own inquiries. We must critically assess the motivations behind our choices and actions, recognizing that sometimes our guiding principles may be misaligned. The reality may shift, necessitating a reevaluation of our questions. The school asked, "How can we deliver our curriculum remotely to achieve academic success?" Yet, had they taken a moment to reconsider, they might have asked, "Is this the question we should be focusing on now? What should our priorities be? What alternative questions could guide us?" Perhaps if they had paused to reflect, they could have prioritized a more compassionate inquiry: "How can we ensure our students' well-being is our foremost concern?"

The mental health crisis among children in Melbourne has surged, highlighting the dire implications of neglecting well-being. I hope you take away the critical lesson of questioning. It is essential to rethink and reevaluate the queries that shape our lives. This process demands openness, the courage to relinquish outdated notions, and the adaptability to forge new paths.

What question in your life requires reevaluation today?