Should we do what we are told? Parents today value tolerant, well-mannered, imaginative children — who are not afraid of standing up to authority. Is this always a good idea?
All change! Obedience out. Imagination in
Should we do what we are told? Parents today value tolerant, well-mannered, imaginative children - who are not afraid of standing up to authority. Is this always a good idea?
"We're told to do what we're told, but sometimes being a bit naughty is okay." So sings Matilda in the musical inspired by Roald DahlA 20th Century British novelist and children's writer. His books have sold more than 250 million copies. .
A long time ago, parents believed that children should be quiet and obedient, but things have changed. A new survey by the Policy Institute at King's College London found that while British parents still prioritise good manners and tolerance, they place greater importance on independence, hard work and imagination. Obedience now ranks the tenth most important thing for parents, down from fifth on the list 30 years ago.
The researchers think this change shows that the UK is becoming a more free-thinking and individualisticMore interested in individuals rather than society as a whole. place.
In the past, obeying rules was seen as a way to make sure children grew up to be good citizens. But today, it is more about children learning right from wrong on their own.
The survey also found that British parents care more about independence and imagination than parents in other countries. This might be because most jobs today need people who can come up with new ideas and be creative.
Dr. Claire Crawford-Young, one of the researchers, says, "In the future, we'll need people who can think for themselves and come up with new ideas. So it's important to teach kids these skills when they're young."
Some people think it is not good that obedience is less important now. They worry that children might become more selfish and less respectful.
Others think it is a good thing because it helps children become more independent and self-reliant. It might also mean changes in how we teach children in school.
People like Paulo FreireA Brazilian philosopher and educator. He advocated critical pedagogy: the idea that teaching should encourage students to think about power structures and inequality. , who study education, say it is better if children are active in their learning and think for themselves. They believe students should ask questions and not just listen quietly.
The change in how parents view obedience is a sign that our society is changing. We are becoming more open-minded and accepting of different ways of thinking.
But we also need to be careful not to raise children who do not respect authority at all. There is a balance between obeying rules and being independent, and finding that balance is important.
<h5 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong><strong>Should we do what we are told?</strong></strong></h5>
Yes: There are times when it is important to obey authority, such as when it is necessary to protect ourselves or others from harm. Following instructions can help us to achieve our goals and to work effectively with others.
No: We should not blindly obey authority. We should always think for ourselves and question orders that we believe are wrong. We should not obey orders that violate our rights or our values.
Or... Whether or not we should do what we are told depends on the specific situation. We should weigh the potential benefits and risks of obedience before making a decision. We should also consider the source of the authority.
Roald Dahl - A 20th Century British novelist and children's writer. His books have sold more than 250 million copies.
Individualistic - More interested in individuals rather than society as a whole.
Paulo Freire - A Brazilian philosopher and educator. He advocated critical pedagogy: the idea that teaching should encourage students to think about power structures and inequality.
All change! Obedience out. Imagination in

Glossary
Roald Dahl - A 20th Century British novelist and children's writer. His books have sold more than 250 million copies.
Individualistic - More interested in individuals rather than society as a whole.
Paulo Freire - A Brazilian philosopher and educator. He advocated critical pedagogy: the idea that teaching should encourage students to think about power structures and inequality.