Teach Your Child How to Think by Edward de Bono was published in 1993 by Penguin Books. Edward de Bono is a Maltese physician, psychologist, and philosopher, best known for his work in the field of lateral thinking, a concept that encourages creativity and problem-solving through unconventional means. This book was a part of his broader efforts to bring critical thinking, creativity, and cognitive development to the forefront of educational practices, especially for children.In Teach Your Child How to Think, Edward de Bono argues that teaching children how to think critically, creatively, and systematically is as important as teaching them what to think. The book is a guide for parents, educators, and caregivers who wish to enhance their child’s cognitive skills by encouraging independent thinking and problem-solving abilities.De Bono emphasizes that children’s natural curiosity, when fostered in a structured and thoughtful way, can lead to better decision-making, improved creativity, and enhanced emotional intelligence. Rather than focusing solely on memorizing facts or following conventional academic paths, the book encourages cultivating an ability to think for oneself, approach problems from different perspectives, and engage in logical reasoning. De Bono’s approach centers around teaching thinking as a skill, not just a passive acquisition of knowledge.The book is structured around practical exercises and methods designed to be implemented at home, offering advice on how to develop critical thinking and creativity in children. These methods, such as the “Six Thinking Hats” technique and other thinking frameworks, encourage children to examine situations from multiple perspectives, develop problem-solving strategies, and make thoughtful decisions.The key idea in the book is that traditional education systems often focus on imparting knowledge rather than fostering skills for independent thinking. According to de Bono, education should shift towards teaching children how to think effectively and creatively, preparing them for the challenges and complexities of the future.

Teach Your Child How to Think is an important contribution to the field of education because it challenges the conventional methods of teaching and emphasizes the development of cognitive skills over rote memorization. By encouraging children to think for themselves, de Bono advocates for a more active and dynamic form of learning that prepares young people for a rapidly changing and complex world.In the book, de Bono provides a framework for parents and educators to use in fostering skills that are critical for the future, such as creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. The methods outlined in the book are not just theoretical but are meant to be applied in daily life, making the approach highly practical for parents and educators looking for actionable tools to improve their children's cognitive development.The book is also significant in the broader context of global education reform. At a time when standardized testing and traditional educational models were dominant, de Bono’s work presented an alternative that emphasized skills over content. His advocacy for a more holistic approach to learning resonated with educators and parents who were concerned about the limitations of the traditional system.

Critical and Creative Thinking: A central theme in Teach Your Child How to Think is the distinction between critical and creative thinking. De Bono suggests that education often fails to provide children with the tools for independent thinking. He introduces techniques like lateral thinking and systematic problem-solving to nurture both creative and critical thought. He advocates for helping children understand how to approach problems from multiple angles, rather than just learning to accept standard solutions.The Six Thinking Hats: One of the core concepts in the book is the “Six Thinking Hats” technique, a system developed by de Bono to help individuals approach problems from six distinct perspectives: white (facts and information), red (feelings and intuition), black (critical judgment), yellow (optimism and positive thinking), green (creativity and new ideas), and blue (organization and control). This method encourages children to consider various aspects of a problem, thereby fostering a holistic approach to thinking that balances both creativity and critical analysis.Encouraging Independent Thinking: De Bono emphasizes that it is vital for children to learn how to think for themselves. By developing independent thinking skills, children can solve problems more effectively, think beyond conventional boundaries, and develop a stronger sense of self-reliance. The ability to question assumptions and think logically is presented as crucial for academic and personal success.Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Another key theme in the book is the importance of teaching children how to approach problems methodically. De Bono highlights various problem-solving techniques, such as the use of frameworks to structure thinking, as essential tools for children to master. By applying logical and systematic approaches, children can develop their decision-making skills and tackle real-world challenges with confidence.Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence, or the ability to understand and manage emotions, is also explored in the context of thinking. De Bono notes that good thinkers are also emotionally aware, able to balance logic with empathy and understanding. By developing emotional intelligence, children can become more aware of the impact of their thinking on others and learn to make decisions that account for both personal and social consequences.Thinking as a Learnable Skill: The book presents the idea that thinking is not an innate ability but a skill that can be taught and developed over time. This concept contrasts with traditional views of intelligence, which often suggest that intellectual capabilities are fixed. De Bono stresses that, just as children can learn how to read and write, they can also learn how to think creatively, critically, and systematically.

Teach Your Child How to Think was released during a time of growing interest in educational reform and a push toward more progressive methods of teaching. The book’s focus on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving directly addressed the emerging needs of the globalized, information-driven society of the 1990s.The book also holds cultural significance in the context of educational practices in both the Western and non-Western worlds. In many parts of the world, education systems were historically built on memorization and conformity. De Bono’s methods offered a departure from this approach, which resonated in countries that were experiencing rapid social and technological changes, and increasingly placed value on developing skills that could prepare students for an unpredictable future.The rise of global networks, technology, and the information age meant that traditional methods of learning were becoming insufficient for preparing children for real-world challenges. De Bono’s emphasis on lateral thinking, creativity, and thinking outside the box captured the cultural shift toward valuing innovation and adaptability.

The effect of Teach Your Child How to Think on society has been subtle but profound. It has influenced the way many educators and parents think about the role of education in a child’s life. While not every school or educational institution has adopted de Bono’s methods universally, his ideas have become integrated into various teaching strategies, particularly in progressive educational settings.In the years following the book’s publication, there was a noticeable shift toward teaching children to think critically and creatively. Educational systems began to emphasize inquiry-based learning, where children are encouraged to ask questions and think deeply about issues, rather than simply memorizing answers. In particular, de Bono’s work has been influential in shaping modern education systems that prioritize developing 21st-century skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. The book also had an impact on parents and families. By providing parents with tools to help their children develop strong thinking skills, the book empowered many to take a more active role in their child’s intellectual development. The emphasis on independent thinking and emotional intelligence also contributed to a broader cultural conversation about the importance of social and emotional learning, which is now recognized as an essential component of modern education.

Teach Your Child How to Think by Edward de Bono is a transformative work that provides valuable insights into how we can better equip children to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Through his focus on critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, de Bono encourages a shift away from traditional, fact-based learning toward a more dynamic and holistic approach to education.The book is a call to action for parents and educators to actively foster cognitive and emotional skills in children that will serve them in every aspect of their lives. By emphasizing thinking as a learnable skill, de Bono presents an alternative to the static and often limited models of education that prevailed in the past.The cultural and societal impact of Teach Your Child How to Think continues to resonate, as the need for adaptable, creative, and independent thinkers becomes increasingly urgent in an ever-evolving global landscape. Its influence on modern educational practices and its role in shaping a new generation of critical thinkers make it a landmark book in the field of educational development. Ultimately, de Bono’s work underscores the importance of teaching children how to think—not just what to think—in order to succeed in a complex and rapidly changing world.

A chapter-wise summary of \"Teach Your Child How to Think\" by Edward de Bono, published in 1993. The book provides insights into fostering critical thinking and creativity in children.Chapter 1: Introduction to Thinking Skills De Bono introduces the concept of thinking as a skill that can be taught and developed, emphasizing its importance in a child\'s education and personal development.Chapter 2: Understanding Thinking This chapter outlines various types of thinking, such as logical, creative, and critical thinking. De Bono explains how understanding these types can help children process information better.Chapter 3: The Importance of Creativity De Bono discusses creativity\'s role in effective thinking, arguing that fostering creativity can enhance problem-solving abilities and lead to more innovative solutions.Chapter 4: Practical Techniques for Parents Here, De Bono provides practical exercises and techniques for parents to engage their children in thinking activities, such as brainstorming and mind mapping.Chapter 5: Developing Problem-Solving Skills This chapter focuses on methods to help children tackle problems systematically, encouraging them to approach challenges with a clear strategy.Chapter 6: Encouraging Independent Thought De Bono emphasizes the importance of nurturing independence in children\'s thinking, urging parents to create an environment where kids feel safe to express their ideas and opinions.Chapter 7: Role of Questions The significance of asking the right questions is explored. De Bono explains how encouraging children to ask questions can stimulate deeper thinking and understanding.Chapter 8: Learning from Mistakes De Bono advocates for viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning rather than failures. This chapter discusses how to help children develop resilience and learn from their experiences.Chapter 9: Creating a Thinking Culture This chapter provides strategies for parents to cultivate a thinking-friendly environment at home, emphasizing the value of discussions and open-ended exploration.