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"Most children are amazing critical thinkers before we silence them."
Bell Hooks once said, “Most children are amazing critical thinkers before we silence them.” And it’s true. Children come into this world eager to learn, constantly questioning everything and innovating new ways to interact with their environment. But gradually, our societal norms, expectations, and our own insecurities begin to teach them to doubt their instincts and look to others for answers.
Bell Hooks once said, “Most children are amazing critical thinkers before we silence them.” And it’s true. Children come into this world eager to learn, constantly questioning everything and innovating new ways to interact with their environment. But gradually, our societal norms, expectations, and our own insecurities begin to teach them to doubt their instincts and look to others for answers.
In the whirlwind of raising kids, we often overlook a crucial ingredient: critical thinking. Children are naturally curious, questioning, and exploring the world around them with an unbridled enthusiasm. They are innate critical thinkers until we, as adults, begin to silence their voices with our fears, rules, and need for control.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
We must consciously raise our children or society will do it for us. If we don’t teach them to think for themselves, they will be easily influenced by peers, social media, and adults who may not have their best interests at heart. Critical thinking is not just a “nice to have” skill; it’s essential in today’s fast-paced world of AI, social media, and endless information.
Children with strong critical thinking skills are more confident in their ideas and more likely to become leaders, inventors, scientists, and writers. They influence others for the better and inspire their peers towards positive change. Critical thinking also translates into better communication and healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Conscious Parenting: The DCM Method
To raise critical thinkers, we need to be more deliberate in how we discipline, converse, and manage media exposure. This approach requires effort, flexibility, respect, and patience, but the payoff – raising a conscious human being – is worth it.
1. Discipline Consciously
As parents, we often equate control with success. The gold standard of parenting has long been authoritarian: do as I say, without question. Society reinforces this model through a system of punishment and rewards. Good behavior is rewarded with stickers, prizes, and approval, while bad behavior is met with criticism, time outs, and disapproval.
But who really benefits from this system? We must question why we do what we do and who taught us to parent this way. Conscious discipline is about awareness and reflection. It’s about questioning the rules, routines, and limits we impose on our children.
Instead of shutting down behavior, we should guide them towards better behavior. Ask yourself why you place certain limits: Why can’t they throw? Why can’t they have ice cream for breakfast? By reflecting on these questions, we can start to see the world from our child’s perspective and understand their view.
2. Conversate Consciously
Questions are the foundation of critical thinking. To help our children become better thinkers, we must get in the habit of asking better questions. Children are naturally great at asking questions, but we often shut them down due to our busy lives.
We need to stop and ponder their questions, compliment them for their curiosity, and encourage them to keep asking. We should also ask open-ended questions that spark reflection and curiosity, such as:
“Tell me about what you built.”
“How did you feel as you created it?”
“Can you think of a new way to do this?”
“What did you learn?”
3. Consume Media Consciously
In today’s digital age, much screen time serves as a babysitter. But leaving children to navigate media alone can be detrimental. Children’s media often includes themes they are not developmentally ready to understand.
We must carefully research and consume media with our children, using it as an opportunity to teach and encourage critical thought. Discuss characters’ choices, feelings, and the overall message of the story. Ask questions like:
“What do you think the story’s message was?”
“Whose perspective is being told?”
“How might we look at this from a different perspective?”
Conclusion
Raising critical thinkers requires conscious effort and a willingness to question everything. It’s about teaching our children to think for themselves and guiding them to understand the world around them. It’s not an easy path, but the reward of raising thoughtful, independent, and confident individuals is worth every effort. So, let’s start this journey today and help our children become the critical thinkers who will shape a better tomorrow.
Your Hilariously Bad Dad Joke
What do you call it when a cow grows facial hair? A moo-stache.
If you found this email helpful, consider sharing it with another dad or parent. You might make their day.
-Nick