In Times Like These, Where Do I Start?

This is a very strange and challenging time to be a parent, to children of any age. It’s always been true that the world in which our children grow up would be different than the one we experienced, but we’re seeing massive changes, in real time.

Undoubtedly, we want to do our best to equip our kids to not just survive, but also thrive, and time and again, thinking skills appear at the top of our list of tools. We also want them to grasp and explore the many big questions that tend to surface in uncertain times, questions that are complex, and often don’t have one clear answer.

It’s a tall order, isn’t it, to not only keep kids safe and healthy, but also encourage awareness and dialogue? Where do we start? What do we do first, especially when we as parents are also overwhelmed with all the world has for us right now? Don’t we want to get this right, so that our kids have the best chance possible?

Our best advice is to just start.

If you’re afraid your child is too young, well you needn’t be. There are experts out there who maintain that even babies are capable of thinking philosophically. Set your expectations accordingly, pay close attention, and find delight in even short conversations.

If you think you don’t have the background necessary to think philosophically, if you’ve never studied philosophy, or if you’ve found the grown-up version of it irksome, give yourself a break. Think of doing philosophy with your child as a fresh start. You’ve got it in you, just like your little thinker does.

If you don’t know what questions to ask, that’s okay too. Children are exceedingly good at asking great big questions and will let you know what’s on their mind. Feel free to let them lead and then fill in the gaps with things you think are important.

If you don’t know what the rules are for thinking philosophically, they’re easy to learn. Let your child speak first and really listen to what they have to say. Keep an open mind and tell them you value their thoughts. Make sure everyone involved gives reasons and explains why they think the way they think. Go ahead and disagree with one another (it’s important), but do it peacefully. Try to see philosophy as a group quest to find and test answers together.

If you need inspiration or resources to get started, we’ve got you covered! Our own “Think Together With Kids” YouTube series has just posted its 100th short, and our Resource page is packed with goodies.

There is hard stuff going on out there, probably the hardest you’ve ever seen in your lifetime. It’s never been more important to talk about it, especially with your child. Be brave, be creative, be open minded, be amazed at how insightful your child can be, and be comforted in knowing you’re helping them grow into great thinkers.