Independent thinking should be encouraged right from the childhood.

Introduction
Independent thinking is the process of developing an opinion based on one’s own observation and experiences as opposed to relying on the statements of others. Independent thinking includes the capacity to trust one’s own judgement and act in accordance with one’s convictions despite errors or shortcomings.

The formative years of a person are crucial in developing their capacity for independent thought. Fostering autonomous thinking can help children become better adults because childhood is one of the most important and crucial times of life. Since we are currently at our most creative, energetically superior, and raw state, promoting quick thinking or developing behaviours that instill a sense of self reliance can result in less problems as children get older.

Why is it essential?
It is imperative that youngsters be taught to think independently for a number of reasons. Because of certain young people who dared to be followers instead, advances in science and medicine have been made possible. In order to build and grow the mind, it is crucial to promote autonomous thinking from a young age. Independent thought produces innovation, without which we would still be living in the Dark Ages.

Unfortunately, some parents succeed in moulding their kids’ minds in the direction they desire. If parents insist that their children memorise a list of questions and the answers to them in order to perform well on exams, they do so without comprehending that this will not prepare them for questions that do not have predetermined answers.

Parents can help their children develop independent thinking abilities by letting them try something new that will allow them to think creatively without worrying about doing it incorrectly or differently.

The teaching method used in schools is “teach to test,” which determines a student’s grade based on success or failure. Independent thinking has been the key component of innovation, but creativity needs to be set as a standard.

Children’s capacity for independent thought can be developed at home in a variety of methods. First, it’s important to encourage them to describe their feelings, such as how they feel about participating in that activity or how they feel about a certain colour. In order for them to appreciate different points of view in life, they also need to be taught how to pay attention and develop listening skills. In addition, rather of always spoon-feeding their kids, parents might ask them to figure out problems on their own.
Finally, it’s important to inspire kids to write. Their ability to be creative can be greatly enhanced by writing stories or creating images from their imaginations.

If youngsters are encouraged to think independently from an early age, they are less likely to fall prey to unwanted influences that could turn them toward toxic views.

In order to recognise their children’s limitations and avoid pressuring them needlessly, parents must be flexible with them. Asking for suggestions when making plans is another way to promote their autonomous thought. Children have unmatched imagination and passion, which can easily transfer into smart planning and stimulate their creative thinking.
Even the smallest chores, like tying shoelaces, folding clothes, and doing homework without parental assistance, are typical and significant obligations for a youngster.

The ability to think independently also helps kids acquire and master a variety of abilities that are essential before they leave home for college. Independent thinking abilities can provide access to a wealth of data and knowledge.

However, everything has advantages and disadvantages, and pushing kids to think for themselves too early can have its own drawbacks. Some of these individualistic individuals could struggle to cooperate as a team or in a group. It is possible for someone to become arrogant about themselves and to denigrate others because they become much more effective and marginally superior. However, excepting a few of these drawbacks, promoting autonomous thought is much more likely to result in high-caliber people who can significantly alter the ordinary course of events.


Conclusion
“Starting good is half the work done,” as the saying goes. The greatest way to illustrate this is through fostering autonomous thought from an early age. Children’s minds are bursting with vitality, and if that vitality is harnessed for good through nurturing, it will result in the development of people with more capacity and mental fortitude. The future of this planet rests in the hands of the generations now in their formative years, and everyone from parents to teachers to other people has a crucial part to play in ensuring that the next generation has the right kind of independent thinking to make a difference.