If you are new to skepticism, or have only been a lurker in skeptical cyberspace up to now, you may be wondering what you can do to become involved in, or even contribute to, the skeptical community. It might seem like skepticism is something you are interested in, but only other people actually participate in. Sure, not all of us can be Genie Scott, Phil Plait, Kylie Sturgess, Joe Nickell, Ben Radford, or Derek and Swoopy,  just to name a few of the world’s skeptical superstars. But, I’m convinced you can easily become involved in, and even contribute to, skepticism. » Continue reading “I’m not a skeptical celebrity, how can I be involved?”

Jen over at the fabulous Skepchicks blog has a new post on a topic dear to our hearts here at Rational Moms:

So here’s the question – what can we do to make skepticism more family-friendly? What suggestions would we have for conference organizers, such as the JREF, when it comes to reaching out to parents and their children? Or, do you think things are fine as they are?

There seems to be three schools of thought by the commenters. Our choices so far:

a. Make cons like TAM family friendly, by including some or all of the following options: provide child care, include workshops and presentations for children, and/or provide workshops for adults on how to be a skeptical parent, or raise skeptical kids.

b. Make a whole new con for families, or one just for kids and teens, like a TAM Jr.

c. Forget the whole thing, there shouldn’t be any kids at skeptical meetings.

So, I’m wondering how our readers feel about this? Your opinion might depend on several factors, such as whether you are a parent, whether your kids are young or grown, and even if you’ve ever been to a conference like TAM before.

I’m leaning between choices a and b. I love the idea of a huge meeting with other skeptics, where I get to meet some of the professionals in the field, make new friends, learn more about skeptical topics I am interested in, and also get to bring my kids and know that they are being cared for, entertained, and are learning about skepticism, critical thinking and science! That’s a dream vacation. Heck, I’d even be willing to help lead some of the activities for the kids!

However, does that mean TAM needs to change? Or would it be better to create a new conference for families, teens, and children?

I personally am all for raising skeptical kids. I want them to learn critical thinking and other skills to help them wade through all the woo-woo there is in the world. I absolutely can do some of this at home, in what I teach them and what I give them to read and to watch. I can also do this by taking them with me to Camp Inquiry. But I think it is time to offer more to our little skeptics.

So, how can we make skeptic’s meetings, and skepticism in general, family and kid friendly?

Input please!