Raising Rebels

I remember being a kid and my parents always saying, "Because I'm the grown up" when I would question them about anything. I also remember being that kid that would question everything. I didn't always think the grown up or authority figures were always right. I still don't. I think it's healthy to have that mind set to an extent.

If we teach our kids to just accept things the way they are they will never be inspired to question things and start movements or create change in the world. I think it's important to teach your children respectful ways to disagree or question authority, because let's face it. Sometimes it's needed.

When I tell people that I'm raising my son to challenge and question everything, they look at me like I'm crazy. Let me explain my reasoning.

First of all, it keeps them safe. The greatest threat to their safety often comes from people that they know and love. People they also view as authority figures. If our kids feel like they can never question or challenge adults, they're going to feel like they have to do whatever they are told even if it's something they know is wrong. I NEVER want my son to feel like he can't say "no" to someone who is trying to hurt him.

Second. they are more likely to resist peer pressure. When we teach our kids to question everything, we are teaching them to challenge the norms. We are showing them that no one should go jumping off proverbial bridges just because all their friends are doing it.

L.R. Knost wrote, "The ultimate gift we can give the world is to grow our tiny humans into adult humans who are independent thinkers, compassionate doers, conscious questioners, radical innovators, and passionate peacemakers. Our world doesn't need more adults who blindly serve the powerful because they've been trained to obey authority without question. Our world needs more adults who question and challenge and hold the powerful accountable."

When we teach our kids to question EVERYTHING, we can break the cycle of just blindly following orders. Then maybe, just maybe, we can start to see some real progress in the world.

This does not mean we are raising rude or disrespectful kids. I promise. Along with teaching them to question everything we also need to be teaching them kindness.

Let's all raise beautifully, rebellious, respectful children.

Cheers.

<3 Bri