How To Set An Example As A Thinker

There are numerous studies out there that have found that there’s a link between the place books occupy in a household, and the tendency of kids to be avid readers. Some of them deal with the number or types of books in the house, some of them look into the frequency of -parents and children reading them together, and some assert that the mere having of bookshelves in the house can have a positive, lasting effect. What all of these studies have in common is that they demonstrate that having books be part of one’s lifestyle, one’s daily routine, or even part of the scenery, makes a statement about the importance of literacy. The books are in the house because words are important, and in having them there, parents aren’t just paying lip service to reading. They’re walking the walk.

Literacy is of the utmost importance in a child’s development, no doubt, but so are thinking skills, and just as a parent can set an example as a reader, they can also set an example as a thinker. In some ways, this can feel a little more daunting than literacy. Methods for teaching reading, writing and speaking are a little more widespread and well-known, and resources are labelled “learn to read”. But there are lots of simple, practical, and accessible ways to demonstrate thinking, and some of them are actually really fun.

Here are some to get you started:

·      Be willing to admit that you don’t know. It’s okay if you don’t know. Some of the most amazing minds throughout history admitted that they didn’t, and they still did pretty well for themselves. Follow up “I don’t know” with “Let’s think about it” or “Let’s figure it out together.”

·      Learn the lingo of thinking. Start conversations with “I wonder why…” or “What if...”. Stay as far away from “just because” as you possibly can.

·      Be curious, and show genuine interest in new ideas. Recognize that they can come from a variety of sources, and that it’s important to consider many different perspectives.

·      Explain your reasons for thinking what you think, and open the door for others (especially children) to do the same.

·      Be open to criticism, even when it’s from a kid. Disagreement is a good thing, as long as it’s peaceful and productive.

·      Make connections between different things. Try conversation starters like “Remember that thing we did last week? It reminds me of this thing here.”

·      Be creative and playful with big questions and ideas. Think big and see what works and what doesn’t.

·      Find new ideas all over the place. Watch movies, listen to music, look at art, read books, play sports, enjoy nature, and get crafty. Then talk about all of it after.

·      Learn about great thinkers from the past together. Try to find out which big questions they asked, and how (or if) they managed to answer them. What stumbling blocks did they encounter?

·      Take your kid and their questions and thoughts seriously. A lot of grown-ups are shocked to discover that little thinkers are interested in and have thought about big, complex, sometimes difficult questions.

·      View thinking together as a bonding experience. If your child knows you aren’t afraid to tackle big questions with them, they’ll be more likely to open up to you as they grow older.

Do all the regular things you’re supposed to do as examples for your kid. Eat your vegetables, bathe regularly, get some sleep, and mind your manners. Just don’t forget, on a regular basis, to model being a thinker. They’ll thank you for it later.

Happy thinking!