Why Do Many Psychologists Argue That Children Think Logically and Where Illogical Behaviors Come From?

Psychologists often emphasize that children think logically, yet parents and educators might perceive their actions as illogical. This raises a curious question: If children think logically, why do they sometimes display behavior that seems contradictory to that logic?

The Intersection of Cognitive and Emotional Development

When we talk about children's logical thinking, it's crucial to differentiate between thinking logically and thinking logically with a correct view of the world. As children grow, they must construct their understanding of how the world works based on their limited experiences, which can sometimes result in limited or incomplete views of reality.

Logical Misunderstandings from Limited Experience

For instance, consider a child who 'tells a lie' to cover up a misdeed. This behavior might seem illogical to adults, but for the child, it can be a perfectly logical response. The child might have learned that breaking something brings consequences, such as punishment or problems. So, to avoid these consequences, the child might deny having caused the damage. This logic, while ineffective, stems from a desire to avoid trouble and manage limited understanding.

A child around the age of 4 or 5 will often refuse to acknowledge wrongdoing, even if it was accidental. When asked, "Why did you break the plate?" the child might respond, "I didn't do it." Instead, as a parent or educator, we should clarify that actions have consequences. For example, we can say, "When you ran with the plate to the sink and hit the cabinet, it caused the plate to break. That's why we're careful not to run with it."

The Challenge of Apologizing

Children are often taught to apologize for their mistakes. However, this can be confusing for them. If a child didn't "mean" to break a plate or leave a door open, they may not feel responsible for the outcome. Explaining cause and effect often requires a deep background in various subjects, such as wind shears or DNA. Many adults struggle with this explanation, let alone children who are still developing their cognitive and emotional skills.

Developmental Stages and Logical Responses

The logic of a 2-year-old is based on their level of cognitive and emotional development. At this stage, their understanding of the world is shaped by direct experiences. For example, a 2-year-old might cry and say, "If you reject me, you don't love me!" when faced with abandonment. This logic reflects their belief that rejection means a lack of affection, a concept they haven't fully grasped yet.

Parents might respond, "What in the world are you crying about? Just do as you're told!" However, this response doesn't address the emotional needs of the child. Instead, it dismisses their feelings and logic, which might make the child feel even more confused or upset.

Encouraging Emotional Intelligence and Understanding

To help children develop logical thinking, parents and educators should:

Use clear and simple explanations to help children understand cause and effect. Pay attention to children's emotional needs and validate their feelings. Maintain open communication to help clarify misunderstandings.

By nurturing this development, we can help children learn to think logically while also understanding the complexities of the world around them.

Overall, while children's behavior might seem illogical at times, it is often a reflection of their limited experience and cognitive development. By understanding and addressing their logical and emotional needs, we can better support their growth into well-rounded, rational individuals.