Our children are delivered around the clock of a huge flood of information. Distributing a fact from fake can be difficult. We have tips that make you competent.
Our children belong to the Alpha generation (from 2010), a generation that grows entirely in the digital age, surrounded by unprecedented technology such as smartphones, internet and artificial intelligence. And this technology shapes this technology.
Already from an early age they are used to it and develop a natural ability to interact with digital devices, often even before they can speak or read. You are already active on social media at a young age or are already active or consume content via platforms such as YouTube, Tiktok and Instagram. They communicate a lot via digital paths and know how to take advantage of tools like Chatgpt quickly. In short, they live in the digital space.
At the same time, this form of digitization means that they are delivered an incredible flood of information. And in this flood of information you have to learn to distinguish between trustworthy and false sources, recognize fake news and not be influenced by superficial or manipulative content. You have to learn to think critically.
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And we parents have to support them! By teaching them:
1.To ask questions and stay curious
Usually it is the children who ask their parents questions and expect an answer. However, it is worth taking roles exchanged with increasing age of the child, or taking advantage of opportunities that help the child question and reflect on his thoughts. So we should ask things like, "Why do you think that is the case?" or "How could we look at it differently?"
2.To solve problems independently
Children should have the opportunity to find solutions for challenges themselves instead of expecting an answer and help immediately. Already everyday problems such as a clamping zipper or the torn shoelaces are good training. That strengthens thatAnd promotes creative thinking.
3.To take different perspectives
It is important to show children that there is often more than just a correct answer. You should learn to understand different points of view. Parents can have discussions about different opinions or perspectives, e.g. B. through books, films or news.
4. TooRead and discuss
Speaking of books, which stimulate not only the imagination, but also to think. The different characters, their adventures and challenges offer many different perspectives and solution ideas. It is particularly valuable when the parents have read one or the other book themselves and can talk to their child about it, and help him understand why certain decisions were made and what alternatives there are.
5.To use errors as a chance of learning
Children should understand thatare, but always offer an opportunity to learn. As parents, we can help you reflect on mistakes and think about what could be done differently in order to better solve the same problem.
6.To consume the media critically
In a world in which information is quickly spread, it is crucial that children learn to question information. CommonAnd reading helps you to differentiate between good and bad sources. The older children get, the more active, parents should be to share articles about current trends or articles with the child. And ask your children to share articles that you find interesting. So you stay in exchange and also know which pages the child surfs on.
7.To deal with complex topics
It can make sense to talk to children about more complex topics that have many different opinions or solutions (e.g. environmental protection, technology, politics). This suggests looking outside the box and taking different perspectives into account. We humans like to tend to stay in our bubble. Leaving them every now and then helps to understand and respect other opinions.
8.To be discussed openly
A good climate of conversation at home or at school, in which all opinions are heard and respected, strengthens critical thinking. Children should know that it is okay to express their opinion, even if this deviates from that of the adults.
By encouraging our children, thinking, reflecting and asking questions independently, they learn to form their own opinion and make decisions on well -founded considerations. This promotes your intellectual independence and helps you to keep your orientation in a complex world.
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