Be perceptual or Be rational

[Janelikey]

Since we were in our childhood, we read a lot of fairy tales which showed us a harmonious world labeled with kindness, honesty and appreciation. We were guided to treat whoever living in this planet virtuously, to live with the Nature harmoniously, and to keep a perceptual attitude towards everything. However, when we grew up, we found it incredible in that whatever fairy tales told us seems to a little far from the reality. In another words, wolves would not be a gentleman in front of sheep, instead, they brainstorm every minute to work out a perfect plan for hunting those weaklings. Your friends may not tell you truth all the time. Cheats and lies still exist. All of these seem to remind us a rule of this world, to be rational, to be alert.
Here comes my puzzlement. Should our children be educated as a perceptual guy or a rational person in pre-schooling?
It’s safe to say that trying to keep a balance between sentiment and calmness is uneasy. No matter how attentive we can be on child education, what it turns out must be out of expectations.
So, all in all, what’s your opinion about this topic?

Can you be more specific, give examples of situations (with pre schoolers)you are struggling with?

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but the other day a man called to our door claiming to be collecting for a particular charity. I quizzed him, took a picture of his badge, he became very irritated and left. My 4 year old asked who was that man etc... I said (basically) People are not always who they say they are. Sometimes people will lie to get something from you, even if they look nice, you still have to be careful. Listen carefully and watch how people behave. That will tell you more about who they really are. He seemed to get it (seemed to!)
I tell them to trust their instincts all the time, except I say heart. Be very quiet and listen, What does your heart say? This is usually only in relation to friendships and interactions in school/pre school. I want them to develop good instincts and to be able to trust their own judgement....
Apologies if that's not what you are talking about though!

Are you asking if we should let children believe that the world is all sweetness and light? Or should we hit them with the harsh realities? I think let them know the truth in age appropriate increments. The world can be a dangerous place, but there are ways to keep yourself safe, physically and emotionally. And it is possible to be strong and still see the good in the world (and in other people)

That’s not my experience of fairy tales. Hansel and Gretel get abandon in the woods to die, then imprisoned by a witch whom they eventually kill in order to free themselves.

Of the three little pigs, two get eaten and one boils the wolf alive.

I think Neil Gaiman says it well; "But between now and then lay life, and Bod walked into it with his eyes and his heart wide open."

Indeed. Expect the best, prepare for the worst. That's a great quote Una

We must have read very different fairy tales.