Following Others to a Fall

“Loyalty to petrified opinions never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul in this world – and never will,” Mark Twain, American author and humorist.
The draw of the clique happens automatically. Even adults are drawn to interact with certain people. Friends, of course, are good if you have the right kind. Some children, however, even at a young age, can find themselves just trying to fit in or be cool. Sometimes this can involve them trying to make the wrong kind of friends. Wrong friends? Yes, wrong friends are the ones that exploit, the ones that make decisions for others instead of letting them think for themselves, the ones that aren't friends at all!
In Paolo Tiberi’s The King and the Thief (part of the Chronicles of King Argoz, Prince Ultan and Princess Maya), King Argoz had the same problem. He realized at the end of the story that he had never made a critical decision on his own. His advisers were making them all for him, and they were never telling him the truth! Growing up in a royal household, King Argoz was no doubt used to the Royal Advisors. They advised his father and so on. He probably never thought twice about heeding their directives. Because the councilors were supposed to be helpful, the King never thought to worry about how his lifestyle of riches, parties, and the best of everything was supplied. He never questioned the taxation and penalty system that was in effect.
“He had never had a decision to make on his own. King Argoz became aware that his advisors had always made his decisions for him.”
Literary examples abound to show even the youngest children the consequences of following the wrong crowd. One excellent way to help children understand this concept is with a game of follow the leader. In this case, the teacher can instruct certain leaders to pick a wrong action, like ‘borrowing’ a pencil from someone else’s desk. In a true game of follow the leader, the other players would have to do the same. Will they? Or will they risk being put out of the game? Hopefully, many will choose not to do so. From this physical demonstration, a discussion can ensue. What are the consequences of ‘borrowing’ a pencil without asking? If you have a new friend who is cool, what would be the consequences of not doing what he wanted? What if he asked you to steal? Is it still wrong to steal the pencil even if the coolest kid in the class asks you to do it? If it is still wrong to appropriate someone’s property without their consent, is it a good idea to be friends with someone who asks you to do it? It’s imperative to teach children how to be discerning in their relationships. A watchful eye should be kept open for the right friends. It’s not only the responsibility of teachers and parents, but of the child as well to choose the right friends. Let’s equip them to do so successfully.