Julie Bogart is a mother to 5 adult children that she homeschooled full time for 17 years. She is a writer and owner of Brave Writer, a company she started in January of 2000 with the hope to be able to raise children who see writing as a tool of self expression, not merely a subject to pass to get into college. Julie joined me in my Club, Honey! I'm Homeschooling to talk about her book, Raising Critical Thinkers. Raising Critical Thinkers This conversation was engaging, passionate and timely. We explored what it means to be a critical thinker and the ways that we can support critical thinking. So why this book, now? Starting with the dawn of the internet, Julie was flabbergasted with how cruel people could be to each other on line. It was almost opposite to how we interacted face to face. Julie wanted to know; Why do we believe we are right? Why do we double down so hard in the face of people we care about sharing a different belief system than us? What can we do to recapture civil discourse while growing and learning? Why do we think what we think? In this discussion we explore thinking critically in a world that offers unlimited information, interpretations, viewpoints and opinions. Julie asks, "Can we learn to tolerate our own discomfort while making room for a viewpoint that contradicts what we want to be true?" Will we make room to understand how beliefs function for other people? Within our Homes, With Our Children and Homeschooling Julie says that critical thinking starts with caring. The majority of my listeners are parents like me, that are dedicated to creating and supporting the best loving environment that we can offer our children. Because don't we as parents care the most? Julie shares that feeling, but asks us to reflect on the idea that we often want our children to uncritically accept our authority first. And when we do that, is that giving them a chance to think critically? You know the saying, "parents always know best"? Or "do as I say". When we believe this, what we are asking for is strict obedience. She calls it our "parental propaganda program". Julie asks that before we demand compliance we fist explore ideas with our kids. We challenge our own beliefs and value the perspective and story of each child. Ultimately, "We are trying to have capacity to hold more viewpoints, not fewer." Resources Brave Writer Julie's book Raising Critical Thinkers If you enjoyed this interview with Julie, check out my first interview with her on the podcast http://imhomeschooling.com/the-brave-learner-julie-bogart/ This episode is brought to you by Kindred Bravely, the premium maternity and nursing brand that makes it easy for mothers to find functional, stylish, comfortable clothing. Visit kindredbravely.com and use discount code Homeschool20 to save 20% on your purchase! If you want to be part of other conversations like this, join Honey! I'm Homeschooling Club on the Clubhouse app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.