kids should question authority

'because I said so.' 'do what grownups say.' 'just don't ask.'

I just can't bring myself to say these things to my son. it goes against the lessons we try to teach ourselves as responsible, civic-minded adults; to question authority.

I don't want to teach my kid that he's always supposed to do what grownups say without question. first, not every grownup will have his best interest at heart and he needs to learn to trust his own instincts. if more children were taught that its okay to ask adults questions and expect answers maybe fewer children would be taken advantage of by adults that mean them harm.

second, the concept of questioning authority is one I want him to embrace. I was raised to ask questions and search for answers and as long as he's respectful, I want him to ask questions, my job is to be patient enough to give the answers.

we live in a society dominated by corrupt politics and businesses and if nothing else, the entire Occupy Movement showed the world that sometimes we need to question authority at the top of our voices and expect answers that make sense. I want my son to have this knowledge now, I don't think that's bad.

so if my son asks you some questions that you don't have the patience or information to answer please don't just say 'because I said so.' just because that let's you off the hook. help him find the answer or send him to someone who will, don't just brush him off.

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." - Frederick Douglass