I want to start this blog by saying that 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? Let's dive into this together.

Understanding Critical Thinking:

First off, let's get clear on what critical thinking is all about. It's not 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 main stay 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 it's doubts and questions and railroading it into another way of life that doesn't suit YOUR family either! 

Why Reflection is Key:

Imagine buying a house without bothering to go look at it, to get a survey, to consider the location and how long it would take you to commute to work. Yikes! 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 literally crucial to assess how things are going, what feels good and what doesn't and what you truly believe is the right decisions for you and your family. 

Ask yourself: What do I truly believe? What works best for my family? By exploring these questions, you're crafting an educational path that's genuinely yours.

Creating Your Own Educational Ethos:

Here's where the magic happens: defining your own educational ethos. It is time to really consider, what values do you want to prioritize? What goals do you have as individuals, as a family? What kind of dreams do you want to fulfil? What do you want your days to look like? By setting your own course, you'll navigate the world of home education with far more conviction and clarity than if you allow yourself to be swayed by all the ideas and beliefs out there. 

Steps to Becoming a True Critical Thinker:

Ready to build up your critical thinking muscles? Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Question Everything: Don't just accept things as they are. Delve deeper and explore the "why" behind your choices. I mean all of them - 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 is 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 to 'fit in' or to be accepted. 

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

Conclusion:

So, are you ready to embark on this journey of critical thinking and self-discovery? Remember, it's not about following the crowd; it's about making choices that resonate with your heart and mind. Take your time, ask the right questions, and watch as your educational path unfolds in a way that's uniquely yours.

Join the Conversation!

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Share them in the comments below. Let's support each other in becoming true critical thinkers and creating educational journeys that truly reflect who we are.