Think wrongly if you please, but in all cases think for yourself.
- Louisa May Alcott
One of the many things that drive parents crazy about their children is that children like to think for themselves. Parents do not always like that. Most of the time, parents do not understand why children believe as they do; they may also feel threatened when the children do not see tings the right way - that is, the parent's way. Parents have experience; they may believe children do not. Parents know the dangers and traps in life; children seem not to care. Parents believe that if children are left to their own devices, they may destroy themselves. Parents need to realize the difference between discipline and thinking, disobedience and thinking, disrespect and thinking. Children are just people living through a smaller body. They must learn to express themselves, to understand who they are and grow into who they are through their own thoughts. Just because children do not think as we do doesn't mean they are wrong.
One of the many things that drive parents crazy about their children is that children like to think for themselves. Parents do not always like that. Most of the time, parents do not understand why children believe as they do; they may also feel threatened when the children do not see tings the right way - that is, the parent's way. Parents have experience; they may believe children do not. Parents know the dangers and traps in life; children seem not to care. Parents believe that if children are left to their own devices, they may destroy themselves. Parents need to realize the difference between discipline and thinking, disobedience and thinking, disrespect and thinking. Children are just people living through a smaller body. They must learn to express themselves, to understand who they are and grow into who they are through their own thoughts. Just because children do not think as we do doesn't mean they are wrong.
Ideas are children of the mind.
2 comments:
You are right.
I've had lots of great ideas from my kids and sometimes their ideas are more simple and workable.
We really have to encourage our kids to think for themselves where it's needed, and not be afraid to think differently.
I know a family where the kids [and wife] absolutely have to agree with the father and not ask questions. If they display a slight turn from his way of thinking, he uses intimidation tactics to "win" them back over.
It's very painful to watch. And quite scary, as this man is paranoid & delusional - He is "the victim" who thinks everyone is conspiring against him and lieing about everything :o(
Very Beautifully stated DMP!
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