I recently caught a bus from Chester to Tarporley. I was impressed! It was punctual; convenient with contactless provision, and economical at £2 one way! Furthermore, my inner child was unashamedly released when I boarded the double decker, made my way to the top floor and discovered the front seats available!
You know those rare days in summer when you appreciate being in England, because it is so beautiful? This was one of those days; the skies were blue, and the air literally sparkled. With my unobstructed view I had the chance to appreciate the impressive Cheshire countryside, beyond the fences and hedges, and admire the attractive gardens, architecture, and quaint village life. I was able to see so much more than if I was driving, so I sat back, relaxed and soaked it all in.
In my role as Head of Lower School, I am tasked with having an overview of the whole school, and whilst my perspective is wider than most, I still need to have conversations with colleagues, parents and children to gain an even greater insight into understanding, and filling the gaps of complex, nuanced pictures at times.
Children, as expected for their age and stage, are very egocentric – their view can be very one-dimensional and rigid, and they therefore assume others see the world like they do.
The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for having perspective, is not fully developed until adolescence, or even early adulthood; as a result, children struggle to understand multiple viewpoints.
With limited experience, they have not had the opportunity to learn from a variety of people and situations, and this lack of exposure can restrict their ability to understand and empathise with different viewpoints. Children are still developing the ability to manage their own emotions, and so it is a challenging expectation to understand the emotions and perspectives of others.
Children tend to think in a very concrete, polarised manner, and have yet to develop the ability to see the world as it really is: complex, nuanced, and full of shades of grey. With a vocabulary which is similarly evolving, it can be difficult for them to fully explain and understand complicated situations.
To compound things further, children are heavily influenced by their immediate social environment, which includes their family as well as friends, and so they may adopt the perspectives and beliefs of those around them, which can limit their exposure to alternative viewpoints.
It's important to note that limited perspective in children is a natural part of their development, and it doesn't imply a lack of potential for growth or understanding. As children mature, gain more experiences, and receive guidance and education, their perspectives become more sophisticated and encompass a broader range of ideas and viewpoints.
As parents and educators, our role extends beyond simply imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing compassionate, critical thinkers who embrace the richness of our diverse world. By fostering empathy, encouraging critical thinking, and providing opportunities for exploration, we empower children to see beyond the surface, appreciate different viewpoints, and navigate complexities with understanding.
Above all, it is through our rich conversations that we develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the colourful tapestry which envelops our Queen’s community … we don’t need to have a front row seat on the top floor of a bus to get the bigger picture; we simply need to reach out and have a chat!
Here are some ways in which children can be supported at home in broadening their perspective:
- Create a safe space for communication: Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings freely without fear of judgment, interruption or correction. Give them your full attention, make eye contact, and acknowledge their feelings.
- Broaden your child's horizons by helping them to appreciate different perspectives: Introduce them to various cultures, traditions, and ways of life to foster openness and reduce biases.
- Empathy is a cornerstone of understanding perspective: Read books together and discuss the motivation and feelings of characters in the story. What does it feel like ‘to step into someone else’s shoes?’
- Your child will learn by observing you: Demonstrate how you consider the viewpoint of others in your daily life.
Develop your child’s critical thinking skills to analyse situations from multiple angles: Encourage your child to ask questions and think deeply about various topics.
Iona Carmody
Head of Lower School