Re:Calvin's Dad (Score:5, Insightful)
by tygerstripes (832644) on Thursday August 13, @05:08AM (#29049039)
This is the basis for all of my interactions with inquisitive children, for a number of reasons:
- It's fun to lie creatively to the credulous, even if it's immoral
- Kids who aren't old or bright enough yet to spot the obvious lie wouldn't get much out of the facts anyway. A kid who is told a fact by a trusted adult will hold, use and quote it as gospel for years, without critically evaluating it. This is both annoying and problematic.
- When a kid is old/bright enough to spot the lie, they are ready to understand the truth rather than just believe it. This is an effective and useful way to gauge and encourage a child's intellectual development.
- Most importantly, when a child catches an adult out by deductive reasoning, and receives the truth as a reward... there is no greater sense of achievement, nor a more powerful incentive for genuine curiosity, in a child.
Curious children come from creative and interesting parents.
Why is the Sky Blue?
What Makes a Rainbow?
