Are you truly embracing critical thinking, or just switching sides?

This is one of the biggest battles we face as human beings - we love to feel accepted and embraced by our peers, and the act of defying convention and believing something different to others can require real courage! I know that I will spend a lifetime having to consider whether I believe something because I truly believe it, or because someone else has convinced me to - but taking the time to stop and recognise this is essential if you want to raise critical thinkers.

So, if you ever feel like you are simply swapping one set of beliefs for another, then it's time to pause and ponder: are you genuinely embracing critical thinking, or are you just trading one bandwagon for another?

Understanding Critical Thinking

Critical thinking isn't just about questioning everything for the sake of it. It's about digging deep, examining our beliefs, and making decisions that resonate with our true selves. We need to truly listen to our thoughts, to recognise when they are sending us little 'hmmm are we sure?' signals, and always be on the lookout for what truly matters to you and your family.

The Allure of Switching Sides

It's tempting, isn't it? To jump from the mainstay societal constructs and ideals of traditional schooling to the world of home education, even going as far as radical unschooling, thinking the ethos and ideals are just 'better' or more wholesome. But it is at this juncture that we can yet again abandon ourselves - not listening to that internal voice, dismissing its doubts and questions and railroading it into another way of life that doesn't suit YOUR family either!

Why Reflection is Key

Home Education is a major life decision and one that will shift and change countless times through your journey. Taking a moment to reflect regularly is crucial to assess how things are going, what feels good and what doesn't, and what you truly believe is the right decision for you and your family.

Steps to Becoming a True Critical Thinker

1. Question Everything: Don't just accept things as they are. Delve deeper and explore the "why" behind your choices - what you choose to eat, where you choose to go, why you make yourself go to a place you don't enjoy... all of it.

2. Reflect on Your Values: What truly matters to you and your family? Let these values guide your decisions.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives: Listen to different viewpoints and weigh them against your own beliefs - it's ok to love a belief or perspective and adopt it, but consciously choose it, don't feel like you have to believe it or squash your worries just to 'fit in'.

4. Make Informed Decisions: Gather information, analyse it, and make choices that align with your personal ethos.

So, are you ready to embark on this journey of critical thinking and self-discovery? It's not about following the crowd - it's about making choices that resonate with your heart and mind.

We dig deeper into this over on The BIG Home Ed Conversations podcast — also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and follow along on Instagram and TikTok @bighomeedpodcast.

If you'd like some 1:1 support building your own educational ethos, find out more about working with me at kellyrigg.mykajabi.com.