Question

With regard to creating the proper family environment to foster Self-Directed thinking, name 3 behaviors parents can eliminate that promote Externally Direction. Discuss the one you find most damaging and why. Be specific with your reasoning and include support from our text where possible.

Answer 1

Parents, especially when raising two or more children do the following behaviour which when eliminated, can bring self directed thinking.

1. Thinking about others over and above ourselves. For example, sharing the favourite food, bed etc. This hinders their freedom in being close to the things they want.

2.Restricting to voice their opinions. Thoughts are not freely allowed to be spoken, there are many restrictions in it, causing many of the feelings unsaid.

3. Education/career- Even these things are chosen, thinking about the family choice, religion, budget etc. Passion is buried alive forever.

I feel when the moment, thoughts are not allowed to be spoken freely, we create a world of our own with the restrictions and start living in it. Our liking, thoughts, taste etc eventually change. The person instead of having a conversation about what he feels, thinks of what are allowed to be said, what can be granted and manipulates his speech and conveys a modifed version of his thought. This when eliminated from parenting, can help children to have self directed thinking, to put their needs before others.