Even if curiosity is a natural occurrence for children, it is important for parents to stimulate and to encourage this gift. Curiosity and learning will always go hand in hand; both will help your children in their future successes.
Integrating curiosity stimulation to your daily routine is fairly simple. In fact, most methods are based on allowing your children to do things on their own. As most children find the world an interesting place with a variety of colors, sounds and feelings, you should not have to push your little ones into discovery. If they need a little encouragement, here are a few tips :
- Avoid getting upset over your child’s curiosity. A lot of curious kids cause messes that tend to drive parents crazy. If your child pulls your flowers from the garden to play with the dirt and the petals, try to reuse their gardening interest in an activity that will be acceptable for all the family. For example, teach them to grow their own flowers, if possible in a transparent slim pot so that they can observe the roots sprout over time.
- Learn about your child’s interest. Most children discover their life favorite activities at an early age. If that interest is playing with balls, share this pleasure with them while revealing your best abilities. If they enjoy coloring or practicing other artistic activities, make sure they have the material to create art pieces that you will be proud of. Your children will always remain thankful that back in the days you allow them to develop freely their own personalities.
- Read books often! Reading is a tremendous part in children’s development. Take an adventurous trip to the bookstore or the library and let your children pick the book. Read a book of their choice will nourish their curiosity.
- Ask and answer questions. Open the communication lines. Your children will learn they can get information from their family and the adults surrounding them. By answering clearly any questions, they are learning about what you know. Be sure to answer in a way they will understand according to their comprehension level. By asking your child open-ended questions, asking more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer, you are encouraging additional thought from him or her.
- Be a role model for curiosity. Children often follow their parents’ lead. Allow them to see you accomplishing activities that passionate you. Voice your thoughts on the things you see and hear. Tell your children about the pictures on your home walls and ask them in return what they think. Being a curiosity model, you will show that this quality is important and natural throughout one’s life.
Stimulate curiosity in children is most of the time as simple as allowing a kid to be a kid! However, it is important to be conscious about the parental actions that might stifle their natural curiosity. By having an open attitude with your children and allowing them to learn about topics that grab their interest, you will contribute to shaping life-long curious learners.
