SEVEN PRACTICAL STEPS FOR RAISING CHILDREN WHO ARE CRITICAL THINKERS

Raising children has always been something that requires intentional effort. Children left to themselves turn out to become a problem to the society. The raising of children shouldn't be left into the hands of teachers and the society alone. We as parents, we have a lot of role to play.

Imagine if Mrs Sonya Carson hadn't been involved in her children's growth and development, what do you think would have become of the numerous people he had helped or saved their lives. Yes, some other talented people are out there but each child has his or her own unique role to play in life.

As a child, Carson struggled academically and was even labeled as a "dummy" by his classmates. However, his mother Sonya Carson believed in him and encouraged him to read and learn. She limited his TV time and required him to read books and write book reports every week, which helped him improve his reading and writing skills. Eventually, Carson went on to become a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, known for his groundbreaking work separating conjoined twins. He also served as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Donald Trump.

As a parent, can you cross your heart and say confidently that you are raising children who will turn out to be world changers and problem solvers.

Kindly note, it is just about declaring it but putting in the right actions. Parenting is a skill and can be learned.

WHO IS A CRITICAL THINKER?

A critical thinker is someone who has the ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information and evidence, and then form reasoned and logical conclusions based on that analysis. Critical thinkers are able to assess the credibility and relevance of information, and they are not easily swayed by bias or emotional appeals. They are open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives, but they also have the ability to identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of arguments and evidence. In short, critical thinkers are analytical and thoughtful, and they are able to make informed decisions and solve problems based on reasoned and logical thinking.

SEVEN PRACTICAL STEPS FOR RAISING CRITICAL THINKERS

1. Encourage questioning: Encourage your children to ask questions and be curious about the world around them. When they ask a question, take the time to answer it, or guide them to find the answer themselves. Encourage them to think critically about the information they receive and to ask questions when they don't understand something.

2. Teach problem-solving skills: Help your children develop their problem-solving skills by giving them opportunities to solve problems on their own. Provide them with puzzles, riddles, and brain teasers that require critical thinking skills. Encourage them to come up with their own solutions to problems and to evaluate the pros and cons of each approach.

3. Teach decision-making skills: Help your children learn how to make informed decisions by involving them in decision-making processes. Encourage them to consider different options, weigh the pros and cons, and think about the potential consequences of their decisions.

4. Encourage independent thinking: Encourage your children to think for themselves and to form their own opinions. Provide them with opportunities to express their own thoughts and ideas, even if they differ from your own.

5. Teach media literacy: Teach your children to be critical consumers of media by helping them evaluate the credibility and reliability of different sources of information. Teach them to recognize biases and to evaluate arguments and evidence.

6. Foster a growth mindset: Encourage your children to embrace a growth mindset, where they view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Help them understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process and that they can learn from their mistakes.

7. Model critical thinking: Finally, model critical thinking yourself. Show your children how you approach problems and decision-making, and encourage them to ask questions and think critically about the world around them. By modeling these skills, you can help your children become critical thinkers themselves.

WHY DO WE NEED TO RAISE CRITICAL THINKERS?

Critical thinkers are essential for a healthy and functioning society. Here are some reasons why we need critical thinkers:

1. Problem-solving: Critical thinkers are able to approach problems in a systematic and analytical way, identifying and evaluating potential solutions and choosing the best course of action.

2. Decision-making: Critical thinkers are able to make informed and reasoned decisions based on evidence and analysis, rather than being swayed by emotions or biases.

3. Innovation: Critical thinkers are able to think outside the box, coming up with new and innovative ideas that can lead to advancements and progress in various fields.

4. Effective communication: Critical thinkers are able to express themselves clearly and persuasively, using evidence and reasoning to support their arguments.

5. Responsible citizenship: Critical thinkers are able to evaluate information from a range of sources, including media and political rhetoric, and make informed decisions as responsible citizens.

6. Personal development: Critical thinking skills help individuals develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and empathy, leading to personal growth and fulfillment.

Critical thinkers are able to approach problems and decisions with clarity, objectivity, and reason, which can lead to more positive outcomes for themselves and for society as a whole.

It's never too late to start training your children to be critical thinkers. You can do this one step at a time.

Overall, critical thinking is an essential skill that is needed in every aspect of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors, and from social interactions to political decision-making.

At Topflighters Online School, we are still in the business of raising critical thinkers with our varied instructions and expert tutors. Give us a try and today and unitedly, we can raise children who will take over the world in any sphere of life they find themselves and ensure that there is a global change.