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Originally Posted by scubamama
Faeriewisp, I disagree with your logic.
 I believe "logic" is a skill that develops with practice and experience. To me it is logical that the earlier one starts relying on their own choices, and experiencing non-life threatening consequences (with the safety net of a supportive parent), the sooner they are *able* to use logic. The assumption upon which the quoted belief is made is self-fulfilling, imo. If we assume that our child isn't logical or can't think logically, then we obviously don't provide him with opportunities to use his own judgement. If we override his logic "for his own good", we short-circuit his learning potential, imo. I don't believe that it is different for food choices, being tired enough to go to bed, clothing choices when it is cold, etc. I do agree that it is not "simple" to trust our child. And it is difficult to believe that information alone could be enough for him to make the choices we deem best. However, I do believe that our child has a strong survival instinct and is able to choose what is best for himself based upon his priorities. I don't believe that he has complete information. However, I don't believe that we, his parents, do either. Children are not evolved to make decisions in a vaccum, none of us are. But I don't believe that children will make life threatening ones if they have experience practicing their judgement with an attuned, attentive, supportive parent. This level of parental awareness, facilitation and engagement is easier with one child than several, I imagine. But that doesn't mean that children are not *able* to be logical until an older age. To me, it means that they haven't had the opportunity to develop the skills of logical decision making. Making decisions implies having a choice. Granted, there are some few children who have a chemical reaction to some foods which impairs their judgement. However, we have found that despite our son having impaired judgement when he consumes dairy, artificial colors, flavors and some preservatives, or high fructose corn syrup, that he *does* choose not to consume them in large enough quantities to impair his judgement enough to be life threatening, damaging to property or harmful to others. And we do share information and observations regarding the effect of these foods on his body and behavior. And he chooses to consume plenty of variety in his diet which has helped him to remain quite healthy. I am not disputing any of FreeRangeMama's experience. It sounds quite frightening and life-threatening. But, sugar isn't causing anyone to stop breathing, from what I have heard. Sometimes the Boogie Man isn't real. Pat |
I also think that a parent who provides lots of opportunities for choice and examples of LOGIC will find that her child can become more logical earlier.Well I think there's plenty of time in life to practice such skills, and while my children are young, I just want them to play and explore the world around them in their own way. I want to present them with a homeschooling life so rich and wonderful, including good food, that they don't have to learn how to choose yet what's good or bad. The world is so wonderful and the day so full that there's simply not enough time to ponder certain choices. Both food, TV and bedtime are areas where I don't provide my 5 year old a choice yet.
I just wanted to add that "logical" isn't really the right word to describe this food topic. Maybe the concept of "applying morals" is the point I'm trying to make. THe more logical thinking that comes in around 7-8 may not really be logic, but just a greater understanding of what's right and wrong. I don't think a 5 year old should have to carry the burden of weighing the good and bad of sugar candy vs fruit.
