I’m sure there are statistical averages and baselines that could be established, but at such a young age, with so many other factors, I find it difficult to trust the data on so-called baby intelligence when there are a multitude of uncontrollable variables.

I think they teach us that things are not always what they seem and that our eyes can deceive us — and regularly do. In fact, the very idea that young kids can’t even make sense of a simple illusion backs up my assertion that our visual perception is linked to a higher level of brain function.

But is this really an independence skill? It seems simple and obvious enough, and it could very well be of the first steps towards an independent child.

The question that burned in the back of my mind was this: what are the the key skills that define moral, skeptical, critical thought and how would one go about imparting those skills to a child?