The World needs more Independent Critical Thinkers.

With homeschooling this can be achieved, as each child is treated as an individual. This means that they tend to think differently to children who are group taught, where community pressure plays a big part in their education.

The problem in being ‘herd like’ in your thinking, is that you constantly need someone to tell you what to believe – i.e: a person in authority teaching you how to think.

This is not what God wants for our children.

 “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15.

The Bible clearly tells us to give thought to everything. It is essential that children are able to question what they are learning.  This not only makes the learning more enjoyable, but helps them to understand the reason behind what they are learning. 

Children should not be afraid to respectfully question what they are being taught. An inquisitive mine needs to be encouraged, from a young age.

The four steps to achieving independent critical thinking.

1. Independent
2. Critical Thinking
3. Problem solving
4. Emotional intelligence.

1. Independent.

Free from outside control; not subject to another’s authority.

“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” 2 Timothy 2:7 

Individual Christian education will result in an independent thinker, who always seeks the Lord’s wisdom, guidance and discernment. Much of the  world does not encourage independent thinkers, as there is a leadership desire to control populations.

Do not be intimidated by outside forces! Give  your child the foundation they need to make a difference within society.

2. Critical Thinking.

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue, in order to form a judgement.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Children need to be taught to discern truth from fiction. This is the truly valuable gift you can give your children. In this modern age, we have access to the internet, where one is able to research anything, at any time…

However, as there is plenty of false information on the internet, we need to teach our children to discern truth from fiction!

By thinking critically, a child can learn to see all sides of an issue, enabling them to act rationally and intelligently, in any given situation.

I recently read about a child wanting to make a difference in the world. He diligently cut lawns, to raise funds, -which he then donated to a Marxist movement, (where no critical thinking was allowed!) He knew nothing about this movement, other than believing that he was doing a good deed for society. His ignorance and lack of independent, critical thinking resulted in him helping to promote an unGodly system.

He had not been taught to question what he was funding, nor what the organisation stood for. He explained, “I just wanted to make a change, as I didn’t like the way many people in the world were being treated.” His motivation for change  was good, but he did not achieve his goal…   

This example is exactly what we need to avoid as we raise our children.  

3. Problem-solving.

The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6.

Living in the third world forces our family into problem solving, as we face many challenging obstacles in everyday life. We are constantly having to  ‘make a plan’, to be innovative and to ‘think out of the box’…

Through creative play time, children naturally learn to problem solve. This is what I observe all the time with my children.

Problem solving is a vital skill for children.

Don’t always give them the answers, encourage them to search for answers and to solve their own problems.

Example: Today I asked my children, ‘How do deaf people know what we are saying?’ The children quickly answered ‘They read our lips’.  ‘Yes, that’s correct’, I replied.  

I then asked them, ‘What happens when you wear a mask?’  to which they answered, ‘A deaf person can’t read our lips, when our lips are covered with a mask!’   

Have any of us thought about the deaf and how they are coping during this pandemic?  5% of the world’s population have hearing loss and most elderly people cannot hear clearly, when people are wearing masks, -yet there are not many hearing friendly masks out there!

The three of us then went on to discuss what could be the best solution to this problem, whereas most  people do not even consider the many challenges of mandatory mask wearing…

4. Emotional Intelligence:

The capacity to be aware of, control, and express ones’ emotions and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of that joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ” Hebrews 4:12

Having the emotional strength and ability to see beyond themselves is another very important skill our children need to learn. Seeing beyond their little bubble is most important!

They require emotional intelligence, in order to connect to others and to really understand themselves. 

Teach your child to look around and see the world for what it is; -the good, the bad, and the ugly!

They need to be able to stand up for their beliefs, to think clearly and to be unafraid to express themselves, respectfully.  

Society today is the result of yesterday’s children. Are you allowing your children to be followers or independent, critical thinkers- who walk in God’s wisdom?  This is what we need to ask ourselves as parents.

The end goal for your children is for them to ‘discern the will of God’  in every situation.  

“Seek to live this day as Messiah did, coming humbly to glorify God and to bless and save others.”

Johnathan Cahn

Through homeschooling you will raise independent critical thinkers, who will go out and contribute positively to society. They will be a good influence on  those around them by ‘serving and solving…’

“When students possess social and emotional skills, they have peace. And when they experience peace, most things take care of themselves.”

” Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”  James 3:13

Go and become awesome parents!

Prayer: Heavenly father, thank you for Your wisdom, which guides me daily, as I bring up my children. I know that much of my children’s happiness in life depends upon gaining wisdom and discernment. Thank you that, through Your gift of wisdom, my children will think independently and critically. Thank you for these precious gifts. In Jesus name I pray… Amen.

Please write your comments below…..

• Developing Life Skills through a Houseboat Adventure.
• Our Homeschooling Adventures and Activities for Jan-Feb 2024.
• How Horse-shows Grow and Develop Our Children’s Characters.
• Our Fun and Fantastic Cape Town Experience.
• Our Homeschooling Adventures and Activities for Nov-Dec 2023.