It’s good to be curious and question what you don’t know as it’s how we learn and develop understanding. It also allows us to make smarter choices as opposed to taking what we’re told at face value. Parents can help children think for themselves by developing their curiosity and encouraging them to question the world around them. Below is some guidance from a private nursery in Notting Hill on how to raise an inquisitive child.
1. Verbalise Your Curiosity
If your child’s not yet asking questions, prompt them to think in a curious way by questioning what you see and verbalising your curiosity.
2. Ask Questions
You can also do this by asking them questions and encouraging them to consider alternative points of view.
3. Nurture Their Curiosity
If on the other hand your child’s overly curious and has plenty of questions to ask, it’s important that you acknowledge them. Nurture their curiosity by attempting to answer their questions or set them on a task to figure them out. If however you’re dismissive, your child may refrain from asking and not be able to explore their curiosity in the same way.
4. There’s No Such Thing as a Stupid Question
To follow on from the point above, your child should know that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. It’s how we learn, and they shouldn’t feel embarrassed for being brave enough to ask and highlight a problem no one else has yet identified.
5. Never Lie
If you don’t happen to know the answer to their questions, use it as an opportunity to learn together. What you don’t want to do is lie as this can create confusion and trust issues later down the line.
These are just a few ways to get children thinking and help them with their curiosity. What you can also do is introduce them to new ideas and ways of doing things which will broaden their horizons and demonstrate the need to think differently and inquisitively.
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