Is "indoctrinating" children really that big of a deal?

Question

What human being on the face of the earth grows up and never questions what they were taught - especially by their parents?

Personally, I think the actions we model for our children are much harder for them to break free of than any ideas which we give them. What do you think?

Jiraiya: touche, except I don't know if you're right. Take my father - a creationist. I'm not, nor was my grandfather. So it's not always attributable to indoctrination. There must be some other factor(s) at work too.

Answer 1

Hi!

We teach according to our own lights. Good teachers present facts and ask "what do you think?" Insecurity can lead to "Think what I think!".

The horizons of a growing child are framed by many things; the opinions of parents and teachers; the environment in which they live; the options for careers; even which football teams their parents support.

Indoctrination is, I guess, that point at which the child is loved or rejected based on what they are willing to accept of the indoctrinators view - like the groomed child or the woman imprisoned by mental domestic violence framing her reality.

Good wishes.

Answer 2

It seems to me that so much depends on the personality of the individual child; among siblings it is not unusual to find different outcomes--some accept their parents values and mores while others "march to the beat of a different drum." Where does one draw the line between indoctrination and genuinely teaching one's children "from the heart?" We all believe our way the best way, otherwise we wouldn't be following it, and, therefore, teaching it to our children. So, if we are ignorant, we pass on ignorance. If we ourselves are questioning, we pass on this ability to question. If we are awakening, again, we pass this on. There are, of course, external factors to be considered. Each child has come into life with its own "agenda" for soul growth and carries a specific set of karmic challenges. Then, too, the environment (friends, situations, other influences) beyond the family add to the mix. In fact, it seems to me that this is the first exposure a child has to another way of being and thinking. Outside of the family safety net lies a plethora of "differences." Only the most dull child would not notice dichotomies and begin to question. Actions do speak louder than words, having a more subtle and insidious effect. But it is ideas/words that frame those actions, and we draw from that storehouse of influence as well. The bottom line is that every individual and circumstance is unique; no generic, encompassing rule applies to all. Thanks for the question; it made me think. I am Sirius

Answer 3

I think it's the parents' job to teach their children correct principles. If the parents didn't teach their children truth and how to live their lives they would be doing their children a great disservice. So often when people are complaining about parents indoctrinating their children, they are actually commenting on the things the children are being taught, and hopefully not the process of teaching the children. I think that many of our societal problems would be basically solved if parents taught their children appropriately.

Answer 4

Children don't get indoctrinated with real knowledge; they learn it. It's only dogma, pretend knowledge which requires indoctrination. Children aren't told scary stories of vengeful gods and people being crucified in order for them to learn the multiplication table.

Answer 5

Yes, because children are not capable of making such complex decisions. They will believe in a creation mythology as much as they will a Santa Claus if it is reinforced sufficiently.

If an individual isn't "old enough" to vote in an election, how can they be properly mature to decide the fate of their soul if they choose to believe they have one?

Answer 6

both actions and words are part of indoctrination. the more they match up the stronger the indoctrination is going to be. the purpose of indoctrination is that our beliefs and values continue after we die. it is why Abram was chosen by God in the first place because God knew he would teach his children.

Answer 7

The difference between indoctrination and education is the degree that force is used to get others to learn our ideals.

BB,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 8

I personally believe that indoctrinating children will really set their minds in believing something to be as it is. This is especially if teaching is done at an early age. Introduce to him God and he will know God until his adolescence. It is very hard for him to change his mind because that has been one's belief. Closed his eyes to other religions and surely one will die believing in God. You can no longer change the spots of the leopard overnight. It is really hard to change his ideals or beliefs because it is rooted since his early age.

Thanks for asking. Have a great day!

Answer 9

The lessons that a child learns from the most are not the ones that are conveyed through words.

"I have learned kindness from the cruel, tolerance from the unacceptable, and humanity from the inhumane. I respect the what I have learned from these people, even if I don't respect the people themselves." - Mighty Macabros

Answer 10

That's a toughy. It's inevitable that parents will pass some of their ideas on to their children -- consciously or otherwise. So I want to say that it's not that big of a deal. Then I think of the documentary, "Jesus Camp."