Do you think that you can teach common sense to a child?

Question

Here's the deal. My little sister lives with me. She is 12 years old. And MOST of the time, she just seems like she has NO common sense. I am also comparing her to me when I was around that age, and it seems like I was much more mature than she is. Really, it seems like a lot of her friends that are her age are more mature than she is! She will still play with 5 and 6 yr olds like she is their age. But she makes straight A's in school! IDK! I just do not understand!

Answer 1

A child's brain develops from the back (amygdala-emotions only) to the front. The frontal lobe is where "common sense" is usually processed. It may not be fully developed until 21. The brain grows connections by repeatedly being exposed to the information. "Do I have to tell you 100 times?"  The answer is Yes!  That is why we have safety rules for 12 year olds. If her lack of common sense is a safety issue like giving personal info out on line or not letting people know where she is going or hitchhiking, then set a rule and an immediate consequence. If it is not a safety issue, like not turning in homework, not planning projects, then let natural consequences happen. Be there to guide, but not preach.  

Answer 2

i think common sense is something you pick up in life. i can't be tought or they would teach it at school.  

Answer 3

sometimes children at this age are teetering on getting to be mature and letting go of childhood. and also if they are very bright children then the kids their age seem less of a challenge and not really thier type.

as long as she is getting good grades then let her be. she will find her own way through life with or without 'common sense'

Answer 4

Stop comparing your sister to you at 12, she isn't you.  And of course you would seem to have more common sense at that age now that you look back but is that what your parent's would have said of you at that time?  Don't forget she is 12.  Puberty is settling in and who the h**l cares what age of kids she plays with.  My 11 year old plays with 4 and 5 year olds in the neighborhood there is nothing wrong with that.  In fact your sister is setting herself up for some baby sitting offers in the future because these kids will already be familiar with her.  It could just be that your sister is exhibiting MORE common sense than YOU did at 12.  

Answer 5

What do you mean by common sense? Is she doing anything dangerous, like getting rides from strangers? If it's dangerous, then limit her rules until she develops enough common sense for her own safety. If she's just acting young for her age, let it go. She'll grow out of it soon enough, and besides, no one really acts mature when they are playing with little kids. Maybe she's just good with kids.

Answer 6

I think common sense is something that you learn through experience, i don't think it could be taught because it would definitely be a course in school