I love this discussion and hope to read the book! I particularly appreciate the research-backed point that extreme viewpoints grow out of feeling anxious, threatened, and not safe enough to have open, reflective conversations. This accords with my own sense of things, and it encourages me to keep working to make a safe space for my kids (and others) to express their thoughts and feelings to me.
I love the insights about children learning empathy when they are treated empathetically and being more self-reflective when they feel heard. Looking back on my life, some of my worst and most reactionary thinking happened when I felt isolated and misunderstood. I find that my kids do their best thinking when they have someone they can talk to (whether it's family or friends). Feeling connected to the people around you is an enormous part of treating them with respect.
I love this discussion and hope to read the book! I particularly appreciate the research-backed point that extreme viewpoints grow out of feeling anxious, threatened, and not safe enough to have open, reflective conversations. This accords with my own sense of things, and it encourages me to keep working to make a safe space for my kids (and others) to express their thoughts and feelings to me.
I love hearing this Anna — thank you!
Working on a future post about "Reality Checking" with kids, helping them recognize bias. There are some lovely ideas in here. Can I quote you?
Yes of course!
Yay, thank you Emily!!!!! We had such a great conversation!!
Loved it so much — so glad you gave such a strong platform for getting out these ideas!
I love the insights about children learning empathy when they are treated empathetically and being more self-reflective when they feel heard. Looking back on my life, some of my worst and most reactionary thinking happened when I felt isolated and misunderstood. I find that my kids do their best thinking when they have someone they can talk to (whether it's family or friends). Feeling connected to the people around you is an enormous part of treating them with respect.