The Heinisch Debate Team

Tonight I got a kick out of a Facebook post that Brett commented on.  Two of his long time friends from high school and drama were in a debate about the invention of electricity.  One was supporting the theory that it was Nickolai Tesla and the other, Albert Einstein.  Brett had his own thoughts and stated his opinions (big fan of Tesla.)  The debate continued with several other boys commenting as well.  The evening ended with David admitting that he only started the debate to get James going.  

I laughed out loud when I read that.  I have learned over the years that boys will debate anything and everything.  Another of Brett's friends posted that they had a huge debate at dinner over what flavor the Jello they were eating was.  I do not understand the need to debate.  I grew up most of my life without a sibling and didn't develop the needed argumentative skills that the Heinisch children have. 

Brett will argue about most anything political, movie or song related.  He has learned to walk away from a debate if need be.  He believes in his opinions and isn't easily swayed, but can agree to disagree.  Cal, on the other hand, believes in arguing to the end and never gives in.  He finally admitted this fall that sometimes he takes the opposite side just to get someone's goat, much as David had in the electricity debate.  I believe that is typical of the second born.  They are usually not as well informed, but want to be part of the action, so they just pick a side and go with it.

I used to think that debating was only for boys as I have heard Doug and his brothers argue about anything and everything.  Meg, however, has shown that she can keep up with the best of them.  I have heard her debate with Brett over the smallest of things - characters on a television show or in a comic book, songs, friends, musicals, etc.  Cameron joins in the Heinisch debates as well, but gives in a little easier.  I love it when one of his siblings tries to draw him in an argument and he just looks at them and says, "What's your point?"

Thus, if you happen to see the Heinisch children out and about or read their posts on Facebook, realize that they love to argue, if you engage them.  Do not take them seriously, instead enjoy practicing your debate skills.  Also, you may want to remember the Heinisch theme that ends most heated discussions in our home, "Did you know that 70% of all statistics are made up!"