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I don't like it. Children should respect Paul Ryan and the position that he holds. They're too young to hold him in that kind of contempt.
If I found out that my son had done that, I would've been furious. Parents shouldn't be turning their children into little partisans. They're too young for that.
We should be embarrassed that these kids did this. How often do children have a chance to meet the Speaker of the House? SMH
I've been around some extremely gifted 7-8th graders and they generally lack the education and maturity to really grasp some of the major issues. They generally have not had any exposure to economics by that age (as one example) nor have they been exposed to much *hard* history, mostly just US stuff and then just the kids versions.
However, to be fair that describes at least half the posters in the political forum.
I have also spent a lot of time around middle school students who are gifted. My experience is vastly different from yours. Although, the kids I know in middle school are also on a speech and debate team who regularly get to nationals. Perhaps that is the difference.
I don't like it. Children should respect Paul Ryan and the position that he holds. They're too young to hold him in that kind of contempt.
If I found out that my son had done that, I would've been furious. Parents shouldn't be turning their children into little partisans. They're too young for that.
We should be embarrassed that these kids did this. How often do children have a chance to meet the Speaker of the House? SMH
Why are they too young to have their own opinions?
Kids are a lot smarter and capable than we give them credit for. We have a rule in our house. If you disagree with something we say, you may politely and intelligently discuss why you disagree. If you make a valid, well reasoned argument, we may change our minds. Why do we do this? Because we don't believe that children are inherently unintelligent, stupid or subservient to adults. When you treat children with the respect you afford others, you may be pleasantly surprised.
I've been around some extremely gifted 7-8th graders and they generally lack the education and maturity to really grasp some of the major issues. They generally have not had any exposure to economics by that age (as one example) nor have they been exposed to much *hard* history, mostly just US stuff and then just the kids versions.
However, to be fair that describes at least half the posters in the political forum.
Your last statement says it all.
And I want to add...we all are at different stages of comprehension of the issues but all our opinions matter.
And that goes to a 7th and 8 th grader.
Sometimes we get bogged down with our life experiences and our interpretation of history.
Sometimes kids in their simplicity have a view that brings some new aspect.
Of course we wouldn't put a kid in charge...we want someone in office who really knows history, understands the political process, the legal systems in the country. But we screw up and sometimes think that somebody that has a skill as a carpenter is all of a sudden going to be the best car mechanic we have ever had.
I think if you can, spend some time with a young person and talk to them...don't dismiss them. They have ideas based on their life experience, what they have seen and heard or maybe they are just repeating what they have heard and talking to you may make them take pause and consider that there might be other ways to look at things.
I've been so fortunate to have really met so many great young kids over the years.
Same here!
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