What adults can learn from kids | Adora Svitak

Summary

In this impassioned speech, the young speaker challenges the frequent label of 'childish' attributed to children, arguing that it is adults who often exhibit irresponsible and irrational behavior. They highlight the positive contributions of children throughout history, such as Anne Frank and Ruby Bridges, and advocate for the abolition of age-discriminatory language. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of children's imagination and their ability to dream big, which can inspire innovation and progress. They call for a reciprocal learning relationship between adults and children, urging adults to trust and expect more from kids, as they are the future leaders who will shape the world.

Takeaways

• 😡 The speaker challenges the frequent label of 'childish' as age-discriminatory, arguing that irresponsible behavior is not exclusive to children.
• 🌟 Children have historically made significant contributions, such as Anne Frank's impact on Holocaust awareness and Ruby Bridges' role in ending segregation.
• 🚴‍♂️ Kids can inspire and lead, as demonstrated by Charlie Simpson's fundraising efforts for Haiti, showing age is not a barrier to making a difference.
• 🛑 The speaker calls for the abolition of the term 'childish' when criticizing irresponsible or irrational behavior, as these traits are common in adults too.
• 💭 The speech encourages embracing the 'irrational thinking' of children, as it can lead to innovation and pushing boundaries, unlike the cautious mindset often adopted by adults.
• 🌈 Children's dreams and aspirations are celebrated as a source of inspiration and a driving force for progress, contrasting with the practical limitations adults might impose.
• 🎓 The speaker advocates for a reciprocal learning relationship between adults and children, suggesting that the traditional teacher-student dynamic should be reconsidered.
• 🚫 The script highlights the issue of adults placing restrictions on children, which can be seen as a sign of distrust and can stifle potential.
• 🤔 The importance of high expectations is emphasized, as low expectations can lead to children underperforming, drawing from the speaker's personal experience.
• 📚 The story of the speaker's journey to get published illustrates the importance of support and trust from adults in nurturing children's ambitions.
• 💪 The speech concludes with a call to action for adults to listen, learn from, trust, and expect more from children, as they are the future leaders who will shape the world.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented by the speaker in the transcript?

The speaker argues against the frequent label of 'childish' applied to children, asserting that age has no bearing on capability or responsibility. They advocate for the abolition of age-discriminatory language and suggest that adults should learn from children, not just the other way around.

Why does the speaker feel that the term 'childish' is inappropriate?

The speaker believes the term 'childish' is inappropriate because it is often used to describe adults' irresponsible or irrational behavior, yet it is unfairly applied to children who are simply behaving as expected for their age.

Can you provide examples of children who have made significant contributions mentioned in the script?

The script mentions Anne Frank, who touched millions with her account of the Holocaust; Ruby Bridges, who helped end segregation in the United States; and Charlie Simpson, who raised £120,000 for Haiti through his bike ride.

What is the speaker's view on the potential of children's 'irrational thinking'?

The speaker suggests that children's 'irrational thinking' might be exactly what the world needs because it is not constrained by the limitations that adults often consider. This allows children to dream big and inspire new ideas.

How does the speaker describe the program 'Kids Design Glass' at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington?

The 'Kids Design Glass' program allows children to draw their own ideas for glass art. The resident artist at the Museum of Glass has mentioned that they have received some of their best ideas from this program because children do not think about the limitations of glassblowing and focus on creativity instead.

What is the analogy the speaker uses to describe the ideal educational relationship between teachers and students?

The speaker uses the analogy that it shouldn't just be a teacher at the head of the class directing students. Instead, the students should also teach their teachers, promoting a reciprocal learning relationship between adults and children.

What does the speaker suggest is the root cause of the restrictions placed on children by adults?

The speaker suggests that the root cause of restrictions on children is a lack of trust. Adults place restrictions when they are fearful of losing control, which parallels oppressive regimes in history.

Why does the speaker believe that adults often underestimate children's abilities?

The speaker believes that adults underestimate children's abilities due to low expectations. When adults do not expect much from children, children tend to meet those lowered expectations.

Can you explain the personal story the speaker shares about their parents' expectations and support?

The speaker shares a personal story about their parents reading to them about Aristotle and germ fighters instead of typical children's stories. When the speaker expressed a desire to get published at a young age, their parents supported them rather than dismissing the idea, which led to the publication of their first book, 'Flying Fingers'.

What is the speaker's ultimate goal for children in relation to adults?

The speaker's ultimate goal is not for children to become like the current adults, but rather to grow into better adults than the current generation has been, fostering progress and development.

What is the speaker's message to adults and fellow TEDsters about children's potential and future?

The speaker's message is that adults should listen to and learn from children, trust them, and expect more from them. They emphasize that children are the leaders of tomorrow and will be responsible for moving the world forward.