120 philosophical essays you must read in your life

Chapter 4

Chapter 1 Section 3 Facing the Children

[French] Rousseau
As parents, we often debate this question: Should we be serious about telling our children something that surprises them, or should we just brush them off with something else?Today I finally found a solution to this complicated problem.My point is that neither approach is desirable for people.One, if we don't give them the chance to be curious, then they won't ask such and such strange questions.Therefore, the first thing we have to do is to make them not curious.Second, when your child's question makes you feel embarrassed and difficult to answer, you must not treat the child's question casually in a deceptive way.You would rather not allow him to ask than tell him a lie.Of course, you have to make him obey your law first, then he will give up his questioning.Third, if you decide to answer his questions, no matter what questions he asks, you can't treat them in a hasty manner. You must give a serious and careful reply in your words, and remember, never play tricks on you child.Satisfying a child's curiosity can do far less harm than ignoring it if it is aroused.

As a parent, you must answer your child's questions carefully and cautiously, short and affirmative, and you must not have the slightest hesitation.At the same time, your answer must be very real. I must emphasize this point.If adults do not realize the dangers of lying to their children, how can they teach their children to be honest in the future?It is enough for a teacher to tell a lie to his students just once, and it is enough to ruin his whole educational achievements.

However, those things that children must never know, it is best to keep them safe and secure.But those things that cannot be hidden from them forever should be told early.Either don't let them have curiosity, or they must satisfy their curiosity, lest they grow up under a childhood full of "shadows".In this regard, your approach to him will depend to a great extent on the particular circumstances of the child, on those around him and on the circumstances in which you expect him to be encountered.The important thing is that as children grow up, there are some questions that cannot be answered by chance.If you are not sure enough that he will not know the difference between the sexes before the age of 16, then simply let him know the difference between the sexes before the age of 16.

I hate the kind of parent who puts on air and doesn't match what he says and what he does, and I'm sure kids don't like parents like that either.I even hate that some parents answer children's questions in oblique ways in order to keep the truth of the matter. In fact, children will find that their parents speak abnormally.On some issues, the attitude should be very simple.If you really meet a child who is infected with a bad habit and he insists on thinking about what you say, then I suggest that you'd better avoid talking about pornography, even if your words are serious, it doesn't matter.

【Together with you】

Children are our hope for the future.What kind of education is given to them is very important.The world of children is full of colorful dreams and the fragrance of pagoda tree flowers in May. Their childish and pure eyes are full of desire and longing for the world. Perspective, to provide them with a growth aid, is an art.

In this world, there are no old people, and you are lonely; without the blue, innocent nature of children, how cold it would be!What should they, poor young men, do?Although generally speaking, one should not worship... But here, try not to worship - you will be a backward person!

(End of this chapter)