Some will jump in with both feet and gobble up big questions without hesitation. Others will be kind of “meh” about it, and need a nudge here and there. In the latter case, it’s easy to get frustrated and discouraged, but there are several things to keep in mind while you try to encourage a child’s taste for critical thinking

Featuring a very savvy, skeptical young thinker, this book explores all the tall tales we’re told as kids, and gives readers the chance to pull them apart, and maybe sling a few of their own.

It’s a subject that can make even a mature adult’s palms sweaty, and on the surface, it seems like the last thing anyone would want to bring up with their child. However, not only can you have a productive and engaging political chat with your young thinker, but you really should.

Got a summer road trip planned this month? Are you packed and ready to go? Are you ready to hear the words “Are we there yet?” Your destination is going to be a lot of fun, but sometimes it’s not as much fun to get there. Why not pass the time with a couple of games to keep your kid’s minds buzzing?

Remember, it’s okay if you’ve reached that point in the summer where you need a little help from your electronic friends! With a little bit of creativity, you’ll be able to make sure that this time is still well-spent.

Philosophy is all about presenting an argument, but a specific type of argument. It’s not about the angry, shouty kind of argument, but rather about the kind where you present an idea, give reasons to back it up, and prepare to look for other ideas that may mean you need to re-valuate it.

Embracing your own inner philosopher, and encouraging your child to grow as a thinker, is likely to be a fun experience that will build a bond of trust between you.

As far as we’re concerned, if your child has started asking philosophical questions out loud, then it isn’t too early to start a conversation about them. Basically, when the “why” comes out, it’s time.

While we can all agree that no two kids (or people for that matter) think alike, we’re pretty confident that in some way, shape or form, all kids like to ask big questions.

Now that Spring has arrived, and families are venturing out for treats in an al fresco setting, there are even more opportunities to chow down on big questions.

This practice that takes time also lasts a lifetime. There are most definitely short term advantages to being a critical thinker, but it’s important to note that kids who fit into this will have clarity and agency for years to come, in their academic studies, their professional pursuits, and in their personal lives.

In an era like ours, thinking skills are invaluable. To quote a Malay proverb “A tree with strong roots laughs at storms.”