Here are a few hints to help.

Critical thinking is thinking. Anytime you think things over, asking questions in your mind, you are thinking critically.

In schoolwork, it helps to think critically while reading. After your teen reads a passage, urge her to stop and consider it. Does she agree? Does it make sense? Is it realistic? You’re thinking critically if you’re not taking something at face value.

Keep your mind open. You may have heard it said that information can’t flow into a closed mind. Urge your teen not to dismiss a new idea just because it doesn’t fit in with what she has always believed to be true. You can model for her by being open to new ideas as well.

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