I have teenagers. They hate me for this, but I routinely quiz them and inform them about "trending" current events. I ask them what they have heard and what they think. I am careful to NEVER tell them what to think. Instead, I ask logical questions about the issue and what they think about it knowing they can't answer them. Then I invite them to go get those answers before they assume that what they think is correct.
Sometimes they will ask me what I think. I will then explain my position and answer the questions I posed to them based on what I know. I am teaching them critical thinking instead of pushing my hard and fast conservative politics, less I fear a revolt. It seems effective.
A recent example is "gay marriage". "People should be able to marry anyone they want." Really? What about a 10 year old? Their pet dog? Their car? A turtle? What is the purpose of marriage? What did Jesus say about marriage? Are their alternatives to "marriage for same sex couples"? Why is marriage important to humans as a species? Why is marriage important to children? Why is marriage important in our religious faith? ..... you get the point.
We did about the same thing when they were still at home, and they were pretty good at figuring out and understanding things on their own. We found that ridiculous irrational analogies that rung true in comparison was our best tool. “well that is ridiculous Dad”, yes it is, but the cause and effect and lack of common sense of this situation is exactly the same isn’t it? “Well now that you put it that way... yes”.
Most of it concerned the difference between being a blind follower of others or being a leader of their own-selves as unique individuals with the right to choose as THEY would like to not as others tell them they should. We taught them to be themselves rather than what society dictates they should be and they have done very well in this aspect and are passing the concept down to our Grandchildren.
The only reminding we have to do now that they are all adults with their own children has to do with mostly financing. Consumerism and the enticements to extend credit beyond means are very powerful forces to recon with as one becomes more well off in life as they are. Being raised in a business environment they know better about operating within a budget, making sure that an investment will indeed pay for it’s self with minor risk, and ALWAYS maintain a cushion.
But once in awhile we do have to remind them of the past mistakes that we ourselves made in the past concerning finances and that they are about to get in a hurry and do the same. They usually regroup and do new math using the parameters we shared from our own experiences of having been around the block a few times. We have been right so many times now that they take the advice seriously.
Just simple reminders that Murphy’s law is a real thing and no matter how confident you feel about a financial choice, you can never make this choice without figuring that if something can go wrong it will. There are ALWAYS unforeseen variables that can throw a wrench in the works. The list of “what if this happens?” needs to be seriously explored and considered first as any successful business full well understands. :)
“Want or need” and “business or pleasure” are antonyms and will dictate success or failure which are also antonyms. There is no middle ground gray area, you WILL become enslaved and owned by it if you try. It’s strictly a pass or fail test in reality.
But after a few mistakes themselves trying to keep up with the Jonses because they didn’t listen, they are finally remembering what they forgot about what they already know. :)