In Praise of Ignorance

Here’s a typical scenario: A parent wants to tell their teen to not text while driving. The conversation goes something like this:

Nobody likes to be lectured to.

On the other hand, if they're playing That’s Just Wrong! and they pull Case #20 about texting and driving, the parent and teen are going to have a spirited conversation about texting and driving. 

Why? Because neither knows how the judges ruled on the case. 

Mutual ignorance changes everything about the conversation's dynamic. When you're ignorant, you can't lecture. When you're ignorant, you're curious and motivated to learn. When you're ignorant, you're open to what other people have to say.

Ignorance levels the conversational playing field. 

The problem for the more experienced, more widely read parent is: How can I become ignorant about all these topics I want to talk with my teen about? 

Answer: play That's Just Wrong!