Misconceptions about Taking Children Seriously
Misconceptions about Taking Children Seriously
we can only start from where we are
“If coercion has impaired my ability to correct errors, is taking children seriously even possible?”
Focus on having fun playfully solving whatever problem you have in the present moment, and move forward from where you are now. Notice just how brilliant and amazing you are and how much you have achieved, alleged impairments notwithstanding!
“What ages is Taking Children Seriously most powerful for, or how does its value change with age? When is it almost too late?”
We do not take people seriously because taking people seriously has this or that alleged effect, we take them seriously because it is right, and because not doing so tends to impede the growth of knowledge. It applies to all ages.
“What if…?” questions revisited
Losing sight of others’ good intentions is a mistake. Reacting badly, as if truth is obvious and we ourselves are in possession of it, tends to be coercive.
Inculcating consent?
The idea that coercion is needed to make it possible to have creative, consent-building relationships with children is incoherent.