Treat Your Kids Like the Little Philosophers They Are

Great new article suggesting to treat kids like philosophers:

https://time.com/6177632/parenting-kids-how-to-raise/

Here’s an excerpt:

I hope the kids continue to have those sorts of conversations. I want them to think deeply about the world, to ponder big ideas, like truth, justice, and God. But the research suggests that those conversations are likely to trail off as they age. Little kids (age 3-8) often raise philosophical questions on their own (“Why does the world exist?” “What is it like to be dead?” “Am I dreaming my entire life?”). They’re puzzled by the world—and they’re trying to puzzle it out.

But as they age, kids start to worry about what others think of them. They don’t want to seem silly or risk being wrong. And they notice that the adults in their lives don’t discuss questions like, “Why does the world exist?” or “Am I dreaming my entire life?” Over time, they lose some of their curiosity and courage as thinkers.

I think that’s a shame. The world could use more deep and discerning thinkers. We’re flooded with disinformation, and too many people are too easily duped by it. Our society values hot takes and tweets more than sustained thought.

The good news is: we can push back on that. If we support our kids’ philosophical adventures, they’re more likely to continue them. In fact, we can raise philosophers.

CHECK IT OUT!

Parents/Guardians Resources

Dear Parents/Guardians,

For parents, one great resource for this is Emeritus Philosophy professor Dr. Tom Wartenberg who posted 2 excellent Youtube videos about he and his university level Philosophy students teaching K-6 elementary students philosophy:

Dr. Wartenberg has a great book for parents/guardians/teachers teaching kids Philosophy/Critical Thinking: Big Ideas For Little Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Ideas-Little-Kids-Philosophy/dp/1475804458/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=philosophy+for+kids&qid=1626797106&sr=8-15

Another book I have used in the past as a teaching tool is Philosophy For Kids by David White: https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Kids-Questions-Wonder-Everything/dp/1882664701/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=philosophy+for+kids&qid=1626797106&sr=8-4

These are great resources for educators, but also for parents who want to engage their children in critical and creative thinking discussions.

I think the question of secular kids implies the question of facilitating kids to be creative and critical thinkers, so this might be a fruitful avenue foy you to pursue! Two sites I wanted to mention on the Philosophy for Kids topic are:

1) Teaching Children Philosophy is a resource for parents and educators that grew up around Dr. Wartenberg’s program that I mentioned above over the last decade.  It’s wonderful:  

2) Philosophy For Children from the University of Washington.  This is a great resource page on their site: https://www.philosophyforchildren.org/resources/lesson-plans/