Curiosity plays a huge role in a child’s learning journey. Parents should try to encourage their child’s inquisitive side to help them perform well, both during their academic years and beyond. Some children are naturally more curious than others and you will notice them asking lots of questions about everything around them. For those children who need a little push, there are lots of thing parents can do to help. I have teamed up with an independent school in Buckinghamshire to explore some ways that parents can work to raise an inquisitive child.

What to do

Ask Lots of Questions

Demonstrate your own curious nature by asking lots of questions and showing your child that it’s normal to do so. Think aloud and ask how things work or how people feel. If your child sees you doing it, they will be more likely to do it themselves. Asking them questions and provoking their thoughts is also a great way to encourage them to think outside the box.

Variety

While it’s important for children to stick to a routine, don’t be afraid to mix it up from time to time to help your child experience new things. Otherwise they might start to become bored and run out of questions and queries which will stop them being such an inquisitive child. Even the smallest of changes can go a long way to stimulating your child’s mind and encouraging them to think about different things. For example, you could try a new recipe for dinner or spend the weekend in a new location.

Make Time For Them

On those occasions when your child does come to you with a question, try not to shrug them off, even if you’re busy. If you turn them away, they will be less likely to come to you with more questions in the future, as they’ll feel like they’re bothering you.  Instead, try and answer the questions to the best of your ability, or set some time aside later in the day when the two of you can do some research together. As long as make time for your child’s curiosity, there learning will flourish.