They had the opinion because of how I have always been truthful and never misled them that if Dad said it, that it was always going to be true. Inside I was honored they felt that way, but I was angry because I did not raise them that way. I raised them to question everything, to trust themselves but to dig for answers, and to take nothing at face value even if I said it because I find myself wrong at times too because I'm human and sources aren't always correct.
I told them they were better than that. They were smarter than that. And they owed themselves more than that. They were taken back because they though I would just feel flattered, and I did, but this world is not about flattery and never should they take the lazy way and not seek to validate information they are told. I always try to share my logic, share my knowledge, and help lead them to information as I find new evidence of media lies, government lies, corporate lies, etc., but I don't like anyone to take what I say as true. I want them to listen, then go off and trust but verify.
Life is about validating truths. Science is not taking for granted. It is about testing, challenging, re-thinking, coming from different thought processes, and new ideas.
My kids are deeply based. I'm so proud of them. But I want this one more thing out of them. They're all adults. I just want them to even challenge what I say. I would never steer them wrong, but if they'll even challenge and verify what I say, nobody can ever mislead them. And they'll have proven what they believe from me as fact. Proud dad moment.
At times my daughter has said "I believe you." when I've told her things. I always tell her no, she should not simply believe me. She should look at the information, think critically, and decide what she thinks for herself.
For sure. I know that feeling well.