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 Kids are curious by their very nature. All you need to do as a parent is to let that curiosity flower. As a parent, you know your child's interests better than anybody else. Coupled with the experience and knowledge you've accumulated over the years, you're in a unique position to encourage that curiosity to grow into full-fledged interests and talents.
One key to being a good guide is also being a good listener. While you may want to encourage your child to go in certain directions, it's ultimately her own thoughts and desires that should drive her investigations forward.
Here are some other things to consider:
- One easy way to spark your child's curiosity about the world around her is to start asking questions that don't have an obvious answer. It could be something as simple as "What's your favorite thing to eat for dinner?" or the ever-popular "Why do you think the sky is blue?" The important thing to explore is why your child chose the answer she did, and the thought process that went on behind that answer.
- Allow room for your child's interests to change. So much is new to them that their attention can shift very quickly from one topic to another - and that's perfectly fine.
- Offer a variety of sensory experiences to your child that engage all of her senses. Day trips are a great way to start - and they don't have to be to museums all the time, either.
Kids' curiosity is nearly inexhaustible. All it takes is a little encouragement to let it take your child to new places.
For more tips on encouraging your child's curiosity, try one of these links:
- HealthyKids offers a quick list of five ways to encourage your child's interests to develop.
- Scholastic Families has some great ideas on how to transform an everyday outdoors experience into a learning experience that springboards off your child's curiosity.
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