3 Things I Learned from Dr. Ger Graus OBE (And why every parent should hear them)

“Children are not citizens of the future. They are citizens of the here and now.”  Dr. Ger Graus

Few people challenge how we think about childhood as powerfully as Dr. Ger Graus OBE.

Known globally for reshaping educational thinking, from founding the Children’s University to building KidZania’s learning philosophy Dr. Graus insists on one truth:

Children can only aspire to what they know exists.

In our long, eye-opening conversation, he shared insights that every parent, educator, and curious grown-up should sit with. Here are 3 things that stayed with us and that we hope stay with you too:

1. Childhood Isn’t Preparation. It Is Life.

We often talk about children as “future adults,” but Dr. Graus flips the script:

Children already have agency, capability, and voice, from birth.‍

We underestimate them constantly. From what they can manage independently, to the choices they make, to how deeply stereotypes shape their view of themselves by age four.

The message?

If children are citizens right now, our job is to enrich the world they can see today, not wait for “someday.”

2. Experiences Are Not ‘Extras’. They Are the Education.

We often hear “if there’s time, we’ll add music, art, sports…” Dr. Graus would say: No. Start there.

“Experience is everything. It connects being taught with the real world.”

Tests are tools. Subjects are keys.

But experience, museums, concerts, role play, nature, sport, meeting people, seeing workspaces is where meaning is built. He suggests something beautifully simple:

Schools should give families ‘experience homework’ weekends dedicated to exploring the world together.

3. Focus Less on ‘What’ Your Child Can Do and More on Who They Are Becoming

Early academics matter, but they are not the whole story. When families worry about numbers, letters, performance, Dr. Graus invites us to zoom out:

"The difference between being taught and learning is the same as the difference between schooling and education."

Children need room to make mistakes, explore interests and see role models who look like them (and many who don’t).

Why This Matters for Every Family?

In a world obsessed with outcomes, Dr. Graus reminds us of something ancient and true:

Children grow best when the adults around them remember what it felt like to be a child.

Want More?

The Full In-Depth Interview with Dr. Ger Graus is coming soon in Print!

In our upcoming Bubulander Print Edition, you’ll find the full conversation packed with stories, research, global insights, and brilliant challenges to modern education.

Pop by Bubu Island and get your copy!