I think the best way to describe Stoic philosophy to children is with this simple sentence: Stoicism is a way of looking at the world that lets us live a happier, more helpful life.
There’s a lot more to it, but that’s all kids really need to know about Stoic philosophy to start learning about it. In fact, Stoicism is easiest for young students to understand if you don’t use the word “philosophy” at all.
Stoicism is just a helpful way to think about stuff.
Our world might be different than it was two thousand years ago, but people are still basically the same. We’re the same human beings as those who were born way back then, and our brains work the same way, too. That’s why the tricks that ancient philosophers used to be happier can still work for us today.
How Can Kids Benefit From Stoicism?
Many children need help with stuff like controlling their emotions, finding opportunity in challenges, being happy wherever they are, and seeing the benefit in helping others.
Stoic philosophy can easily be used to teach kids how to approach these types of problems . . . but the best way to help children learn Stoic techniques isn’t by sitting them down and instructing them.
Three Ways to Teach Kids About Stoicism
The most effective way to teach children about Stoic philosophy is simply by modeling the type of behavior you’d like to see in them. Don’t tell your kids what a Stoic person would do; instead, show them with your own actions every day. Setting a consistent example and embodying a Stoic mindset — rather than preaching about it — will have the biggest impact on your children over time.
Another method to teach young students about Stoicism is watching for stuff they do and say that reflects a Stoic mindset, and making a point of telling them that you admire them for it. Even more importantly, you should also tell them why you admire their actions, and how those type of actions will help them live a better life.
Teaching Stoicism With Stories and Fables
The third helpful tactic for teaching kids to be Stoic is by telling stories that explain principles Stoicism in fun, easy-to-understand ways.
It’s always been easier for me to understand philosophical concepts when they’re presented using metaphors, allegories and similar literary devices . . . and luckily, the ancient Stoics were masters at this! The writing of ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus and Seneca are full of great metaphors and allegories.
One of the reasons I wrote The Stoic Fable Book was because the exercise of writing (and illustrating) these short, allegorical tales helped me better understand Stoic philosophy. Here are a few examples from the book that might help your kids, as well.
Taking Control of Your Initial Reactions
Hawk was sitting quietly on a branch one evening when she saw Coyote sniffing at the ground below. She cried out a hello — but this spooked Coyote, who snarled up at the tree in surprise. Read More >>
Choosing to Not Be Upset
Owl was snoozing on a high branch one afternoon when some wandering geese stopped at his tree. The geese honked at Owl and said some very insulting things, hoping to upset him. Read More >>
Finding the Opportunity in Challenges
While following a trail in the forest one day, Fox and Deer came to a fork in the path. Read More >>
Being Happy Wherever You Are
The Old Buck had lived for a long time, and he wasn’t able to move quickly anymore. He spent most of his time lying in a comfortable glade in the forest, and Toad visited him there one afternoon. Read More >>
Seeing the Benefit in Helping Others
Squirrel visited Groundhog nearly every day, and they were the best of friends. But one morning Groundhog wasn’t feeling well, and he was rude to Squirrel and told her to go away. Read More >>