AD| We’re all born learners with a curiosity to explore a lot of things that we’re sure of, want to hold things and more. Oftentimes, curiosity is built by children themselves without much direction from their parents, but we can always help them along the way by building environments to spark their inquisitiveness.
I love watching Leo explore the world and he’s already an inquisitive child. He is always looking around when we go out, especially in the supermarket and he loves getting hands-on with things. I can’t wait to watch and help him grow!
In this guide, we take on how to raise an inquisitive child, with advice from an international school in Hertfordshire.
Follow your child’s intuition
Half of allowing your child to feel curious is if they’re allowed to roam and explore in their space. Encourage them to pick things up and hold them when they’re babies, have small instruments they can hold and play with to make different noises, and make time for playtime. Take them on regular trips outdoors that can help your child understand the outside world; picking up leaves and touching grass. Find things that your child takes a genuine interest in.
Visit the library
A library is a good place to sit with your child and read stories together. They’ll discover new worlds, learn about characters they may be drawn to and so much more. Let them pick the books they’d like to read and explore for themselves without your direct judgement. It doesn’t matter much which books your child chooses so long as it’s age-appropriate and at the level where they can learn easily. Comic books also count!
Use open questions
Asking questions that are open-ended means your child can interpret it however they like. There are ways you can reframe the way you answer things, such as asking them how their day went and asking how they felt the day went. Ask them about their feelings after a fun-filled day that helps them answer your questions better and with their own outlook each time. You’re also looking at your child’s life, what they’re interested in and what makes them feel happy.
Have time for open-ended activities
Get the paints out, bring out new toys that could excite your child or have them put together an afternoon of activities for themselves. Examples of games and activities to bring out the fun in your child include water play, board games that encourage your child to think on their toes (e.g. Monopoly or Cluedo), or building blocks. Don’t suggest things to your child – let them make the fun for themselves without your direction and see what they come up with. Let curiosity guide your child.
Check out my other mother and baby posts:
Great post. I agree with exposing your child to books and stories early on.
The key is to keep your child occupied.
Give some challenging Mini tasks and yes definitely, find some time to engage your child.
I love this so much! These are some really great tips too, I’m going to pass this post onto my sister xx
Great post, Corinne! As you’ve seen on Twitter, I’m having a bit of a moment with the “do I want kids” question right now haha, so these sort of posts really do help. Allowing them to explore, finding out what they enjoy and introducing them to new things is one of the main reasons I do want kids!
I love watching how inquisitive my friend’s little boy is, forever fascinated by the most mundane of things it’s so cute haha,
Amy xx
callmeamy.co.uk
What a little cutie Leo is! I love these ideas to keep your child learning and experiencing the world around him. Our libraries here have interactive groups with Moms and Babies where the librarian reads to the group and then they sing songs with the babies. It’s such fun. Thanks for sharing!
Keeping a child occupied and engaged is very important. Last weekend we visited a family with three boys and it was so much fun. I run around the living room chasing the kids and engaged in water-pistol fights. :)) Not very intellectual activities, but the boys loved it. :))
Great post. I also have an inquisitive child & we’ve included her in all activities from a very young age. However tried we are, we make time for playtime. Nursery also really helps with development, the few days we’re able to send her.
It’s hardwork stimulating a child & they are great tips.
I remember having little ones! I would take them to the library for story time, and the museum. How curious and smart are they! I would read to them often, and have conversations with them about what we were reading and ask questions. My daughter has a 3.8 GPA in High School now and 90th percentile in reading. It pays off.
My son is almost 6 months old! I can’t wait to play with him more as he becomes more inquisitive xx
Violethollow.com