Raising a child to grow to be awake without revealing anything. ( conspiracy )

submitted by Fateswebb

I would like thoughts on activities or ideas to promote a child or person to think for themselves. For instance my first idea is to go some where and inspect an old building or abandonded area. While there have someone take pictures and try to be observant. Talk and observe while there the first time.. After which take the pictures and pose questions. Based on observations and the pictures.

Then ask them questions that can either be proved by the pictures or solid reasoning.

What I am looking for I suppose are critical thinking and detective exercises to do with kids or people that can get the rust off of critical thinking to help expose a more open mind based on facts

So any ideas especially for kids that you're not trying to be political with but want to lean to look through clear eyes at the world?

Tancred

I think the most important lesson is to immunize your kids against the argument from authority.

So you want them to question authority, i.e. yourself, obviously without ruining the trust between you.

For them to get that authority figures aren't infallible, honestly say that you don't know things when when you don't and they ask, or honestly say when you are unsure and when you later figure the answer out, tell them.

You can also test them on purpose.
When you explain things to them (assuming they're 5-14yo), you usually tell them all of the info and then draw the conclusions for them, i.e. thinking out aloud. Sometimes (but not most of the time) draw the wrong/opposite conclusion on purpose and ask them if it's right.

Fateswebb

Well certainly to question authority, or at least perceived authority. I mean really a lot of what we get comes from the media which in reality have no actual authority. But they somehow are perceived as authority. Not just to focus or even bring up the media directly to the child, but to instill critical thinking to promote a mind that can see through deceit.

Wuttier

I'd like to add that being bilingual, or learning a new language, could be fun stimulation as well.

Wuttier

Following your example, here is something I would do if I ever get kids:

Teach them not to focus on the problem but on the solution. So, I would ask them how they would repair or paint the abandoned building. Question its structural integrity by making a pillow fort as high as possible, and if it falls, how to improve upon it.

Make them do chores (proven for successful and smart adults later on). So, remake that exact building out of Lego's or anything found around the house. Or, build a hut and paint it together. Could be fun, or boring, depends on the kid.

And above all, let kids be kids. Don't avoid certain topics, and go on a quest each time to figure it out.

6double5321

Wildlife walks, where you look for game trails and footprints.

Wuttier

Instills respect towards nature as well.

un1ty

Promote Socratic method - ask questions and have them come to their own conclusion. Then discuss why and how this conclusion makes sense. This fosters critical thinking which is not really taught well in most public schools. Music and arts are also well encouraged as they foster mathematics and creative problem solving. One thing we're looking into is Cosmic Yoga for Kids - yoga and meditation at a young age also give kids self-reflection which is also not really taught in public schools.

7845959?

I think the main point you need to get across is that people lie and why (to satisfy their own self interest).

If you want to make it a game LARP it - but think carefully before playing the part of the liar as that risks damaging trust.

Try giving them reasons to be fair in the game and then slowly reveal rules which coerce them to lie to protect their own self interest.

E.g. "If you declare you have more than 10 lollies you have to share them, but I'm not going to count them just take your word." Then anaylise with them after, "why did you tell me you have 9 lollies when you actually have 20? Would you have still lied if I told I would count them?"

Wuttier

And if LARP-ing ain't your thing, try a Tabletop Roleplaying Game.

addie89

I would say it is less about lying and more about analysing methods of thought and social behaviour.

neowzrd

A lot of parents just teach their kids basic principles without allowing them the opportunity to arrive at their own conclusions based on their own internal examination. I've noticed that in public schools these days kids are taught more about how to behave socially and how to function as part of a group than as an individual.

I think it's crucial for parents to be a perfect example of what they want to instill in their children. It goes much further than verbal instruction.

I have three kids and I share your concerns. I'm looking forward to more responses.

Fateswebb

I have begun stressing that being observant is important, and without really telling why, observing and discussing the things around me.. and asking opinions. I think so far it's a good start. I don't want to guide opinionins I just want to drive an attitude that promotes opinions based on your own observations rather than simply what youre told. So it's good to see other parents have the same concerns and ideas.