Raising an Inquisitive Child

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Curiosity and inquisitiveness are both very natural reactions and feelings that we all have and which will continue to grow throughout our lives. Children from a very young age are brand new to the world, so of course they’re going to be looking, handling things and exploring on a regular basis and being inquisitive is one of the many ways children learn. 

 

Inquisitiveness is the foundation of where children learn the majority of their skills; allowing them to be curious wherever they go can boost their critical thinking, decision making, communication and confidence skills. 

To continue to encourage your child to be inquisitive, we have put together a guide from this private college in the UK that will provide you with advice and tips to help spark that curiosity. 

Don’t discourage your child 

A key way your child will learn from one encounter to another is through trial and error. If it’s a positive outcome they will continue to do it, if it upsets them or they make a mistake, they’ll learn to change their ways over time. When exploring or experiencing new things it is important to try and use positive and encouraging language where possible to allow your child the freedom to make up their own mind (where safe to do so of course).

 

There’s no right or wrong way of handling something, so handling your child with the same amount of respect will let them be more inclined to figure out a future problem for themselves. In fact, parents can often learn from their children in this way as they are allowing them to lead the way, showing that they trust their child. There are so many times where our children teach us to be more free, to care less and to just enjoy a moment and that is exactly how children should be able to experience things for the first time too. 

Let your child decide parts of your day 

Allow your child to feel like they’re a part of the family’s decision making by letting them choose what they’d like to do. Within reason your child will suggest fun things to do with the family that can help them gain confidence and be curious to what’s awaiting them. You could even set aside a day or a few hours where your child makes all of the decisions or decides where the family goes that day etc. This will not only build confidence and help children with decision making skills but is usually lots of fun for everyone involved too!  

 

Try not to give them recommendations, unless they’re really struggling to think of something on the spot. Give them plenty of time to think and come to you with a good plan for a day out, perhaps letting them know this will be happening a few days in advance so they can have a think about what they would like to do or where they would like to go.

Visit a museum, zoo or safari park (or anywhere they can explore)

Give your child the chance to learn about science, the world, or their favourite animals! These places are amazing places for your child to discover a lot of new things in a short space of time, and it allows them to be free to discover things that interest them. They are educational, fun and allow a certain element of freedom of choice that your child will probably love.   

 

It’s also a chance for you to learn what your child likes and doesn’t like. If they’re less likely to enjoy things about history then they may be inclined to learn more about animals and science instead. It’s a great exercise that increases their confidence and discovering more about your child too. 

One other thing to remember (from my own personal experience!) is try not to worry about mess or dirt too much either. With curiosity, exploring and an inquisitive nature often comes mud, water and dirt which can of course be frustrating for us parents having to do all the washing but for kids its no big deal and all part of learning. I always try to remind myself that clothes can be chucked in washing machine, bodies can be showered but the memories and experiences they get are invaluable. The joy of splashing in a big muddy puddle or the smiles when digging in the garden, they are far more valuable that fretting about the extra washing that might come with it. 

How do you help your child to be more inquisitive and curious about the world around them Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. 

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**This is a collaborative post.**