Mindful Learning Podcast with Francis Gilbert and Yundie Fei
Episode recorded: 31 July 2025
🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Yundie Fei on the Mindful Learning Podcast:
Episode title: What Do Parents Need to Understand About Teachers and Learning?
What happens when we stop obsessing over test scores and start listening to what our children really need?
In this special episode of the Mindful Learning Podcast, I sit down with the thoughtful and eloquent Yundie Fei, former MA Creative Writing and Education student, university tutor, and one-to-one online educator working with Chinese students and their families.
Together, we explored what parents around the world can learn from teachers, and what teachers wish parents better understood about children’s learning.
Whether you’re a parent navigating academic pressure, a teacher working with anxious families, or simply someone who cares deeply about education, this conversation offers practical wisdom and gentle provocations for rethinking how we support young learners.
Here are seven key takeaways from our discussion.
1. Children Don’t Learn in Straight Lines
“Children don’t learn in kind of progressive lines,” I shared. “They go up and down and up and down. Learning isn’t something that can be measured really easily.”
Many parents expect constant, upward academic progress. But real learning often involves detours, stumbles, and re-routes. Don’t panic if your child falters, it’s part of the journey.
2. A Strong Relationship with a Teacher Matters More Than Immediate Results
“For nearly 99% of my students, I’ve built up a very good relationship,” said Yundie. “That relationship really supports learning.”
We talked about the importance of trust, empathy, and connection in teaching. If your child enjoys learning with a teacher, even if their grades temporarily dip, don’t be quick to switch tutors or schools. Long-term growth depends on meaningful bonds.
3. Creativity Builds Confidence
“When I say, ‘Just write freely,’ my students are shocked,” Yundie reflected. “But soon they begin to open up.”
Inspired by our Goldsmiths MA, both of us use free writing as a mindful teaching strategy. This gentle, low-pressure approach helps learners express themselves and build writing fluency, without fear of judgment.
“I free write every day,” I said. “It’s how I stay connected to my creativity and clarity.”
Encourage your child to write freely too, it’s powerful.
4. Rest Is a Vital Part of Learning
“One of my students in Year 1 is already studying Year 3 content,” Yundie shared. “She’s always tired.”
We agreed: many children are overwhelmed by constant academic pressure. Parents often believe that more activities equal more success, but over-scheduling can lead to burnout.
“Rest is essential,” I reminded listeners. “Einstein had his breakthrough not while studying—but while walking, reflecting.”
5. Children Learn Best When They’re Heard
“My students often tell me, ‘My mother forced me to do this session,’” said Yundie.
When children feel voiceless, they shut down. But when adults listen deeply, without judgment, children begin to lead their own learning.
“It’s not about imposing your plan on your child,” I said. “It’s about listening: What interests them? What brings them joy?”
6. Parental Anxiety Is Contagious
“Sometimes parents are so anxious they pass it to me,” Yundie said, gently.
We explored mindfulness techniques like 7/11 breathing and gratitude journalling to help parents regulate their own stress.
“Learning can’t happen when a child is in a state of fear or pressure,” I explained. “If you’re calm, your child is more likely to feel safe, focused, and ready to learn.”
7. Being a ‘Successful’ Parent Means Letting Go of Control
“How do I deal with the disappointment that my child hasn’t followed the path I set?” one parent asked Yundie.
We both recognised that many parents project their unfulfilled ambitions onto their children.
“It’s OK if your child fails,” I said. “Be kind to yourself. Take a step back. Write a list of things you’re grateful for about your child. Support them in setting their own goals.”
Parenting isn’t about perfect outcomes. It’s about presence, patience, and perspective.
Final Thoughts: Be a Mindful Parent, Not a Manager
Whether you’re in Shanghai, London, or anywhere else in the world, the message is the same: children need rest, autonomy, creative space, and compassionate adults in their lives.
This podcast is a gentle reminder:
👉 Your child’s wellbeing matters more than a test score.
👉 Their relationship with their teacher can shape how they feel about learning for life.
👉 You don’t need to fix everything. Just be there—calm, curious, and open-hearted.
💬 We’d love to hear from you. Share your reflections in the comments or email us with your own parenting questions.
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