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hildren grow bold by learning to defend their ideas—not just state them. Debate, when handled with care, becomes a space for insight and resilience. It teaches them to think under pressure, listen to opposition, and refine their views without fear. Unlike the quiet of turn-taking, debate asks them to stay sharp amid disagreement. With your steady presence, disagreement becomes less about winning and more about learning how to hold firm and stay thoughtful in the face of challenge.

During a family game, my son challenged one of our long-standing rules. I asked him to explain. He paused, made his case, and surprised himself with how clearly he could argue. That wasn’t just a win for the moment—it marked a shift. Now, when he disagrees in class, he speaks up without shrinking back. Small debates at home can plant that kind of quiet courage.

Make space for your child to explain, defend, and revise their thinking out loud. These small moments sharpen their reasoning and build comfort with disagreement. Over time, they’ll stop flinching at opposition and start meeting it with clarity. That habit will serve them—in school, in friendships, and in the moments when staying quiet feels easier than speaking up.

TIPS

• Set a debate topic and ensure turns to speak.
• Praise logical points to boost confidence.
• Keep debates light to maintain a safe space.

ACTIVITIES

• Change Talk: At dinner, ask, “What would you improve about this?” Discuss for 10 minutes to fuel bold thinking.
• Side Talk: At family time, ask, “What is another perspective on this?” Discuss for 15 minutes to encourage debate.