When my eldest child, Alex, was just starting to read, he frequently turned to me for guidance on tricky words. “What does this say, Mom?” he would inquire. I’d reply, “What do you think it says?” to which he’d often yell, “Just tell me!” I completely understood his exasperation; learning can be a frustrating and slow process. It’s tempting to just provide the answer to avoid the tantrums (his) and the tears (both of us).
However, if we genuinely want our children to thrive and become thoughtful leaders, the “just tell me” mentality simply won’t cut it. Unfortunately, today’s educational system, with its heavy focus on standardized testing and grades, perpetuates this mindset. As developmental psychologist Lisa Grant, co-author of the book Raising Brilliant Minds, noted in an interview, “We’re conditioning kids to regurgitate facts, something computers excel at.”
Grant not only penned a guide to successful child-rearing but also raised a remarkable individual. Her son, Jason Grant, has made waves in the music industry, winning numerous awards for his work on major productions.
So, what does this accomplished mother recommend for fostering success in our children? She emphasizes the need to redefine success itself. “What computers cannot do better than humans is develop social skills, foster community ties, and navigate relationships. We must transform our understanding of success, both in and out of school.”
Alongside her co-author, Maria Johnson, Grant advocates for a new framework called the “21st-century report card,” which emphasizes six key attributes: collaboration, communication, content knowledge, critical thinking, innovative creativity, and confidence. They argue that critical thinking fills in the gaps in reasoning and leads to breakthroughs across various domains.
In other words, to nurture successful children, we must shift our focus away from test scores and prioritize teaching critical thinking skills. We should resist our kids’ pleas for easy answers and avoid the “because I said so” responses when they pose challenging (and sometimes irritating) questions.
I’ll admit, I often fall into this trap, especially when faced with questions like “Why do leaves change color?” and “Why can’t everyone have a home?” Instead, Grant and Johnson suggest we answer our kids’ inquiries with more inquiries, encouraging them to think more deeply and consider diverse perspectives.
What’s truly compelling about their approach is the notion that critical thinking is intertwined with empathy. Understanding various viewpoints is crucial in our increasingly polarized society. We live in a time when people dismiss anything that contradicts their beliefs, and it’s vital to equip our children with the tools to navigate this complexity.
A wise person once told me that the greatest lesson from higher education is not about what to think, but rather how to think. This rings true; college challenged me to engage with issues in ways I had never encountered before. Yet if we delay teaching our kids critical thinking until they reach college, are we not sending them into the world unprepared? We need to start this important work now—today, if possible.
The good news is that parents can cultivate critical thinking skills in their children, regardless of standardized testing. Since learning is inherently social, Grant and Johnson argue that we can engage with our children in meaningful ways, moving beyond grades as the main measure of progress.
On a recent family road trip, my 10-year-old son, Max, suggested we “play lawyer,” where he would tackle a dilemma and advocate for one side. My partner and I happily joined in, with Max taking one position, while I played the judge. It was a blast debating various topics, from whether a bakery should cater to all couples to who is a better basketball player—Max learned the importance of considering opposing views and articulating his stance.
Admittedly, it’s much simpler to respond with “just because” or “because I said so,” especially after a long day. Yet, in our current climate—where “Fake news!” is a common refrain—it’s crucial to teach our children to think critically about the world around them.
Why? Because it’s essential for their growth and understanding.
If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting and insights into critical thinking, check out this article on home insemination kits or learn about the benefits of home insemination. Additionally, for more resources on pregnancy, visit the CDC.
In summary, instead of stressing over standardized test scores, we should concentrate on fostering critical thinking in our children, guiding them to navigate their world with empathy and insight.
Keyphrase: Critical Thinking in Parenting
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