Why is curiosity so important and how can we encourage it?

Babies are born curious, they come into the world with an innate desire to understand how things work, a desire to learn. They are drawn to new things and experiences, they question, explore, and, by doing so, they learn thanks to their curiosity!

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2. Create an interesting environment

Although you may find some of the new electronic toys the most appealing, you should once in a while try to include objects such as boxes, blocks, or sand. Granted, they may seem dull, but they can be used in imaginative ways too! These toys are excellent learning tools because they let curiosity lead the way when children play with them. Do not tell your child what to do with the material, how to use it, or what it should look like in the end. Let your child’s curiosity be their guide!

5. Use open-ended questions 

This tip is for older children, but it’s still worth mentioning. Make sure you avoid questions that have a “yes” or “no” answer. That way, you will stimulate your child’s mind, encouraging them to develop their thoughts and ideas. Try to use questions like: “How do you feel about X” or “What was the experience like for you?”.

Things that undermine curiosity

Knowing how to cultivate your child’s curiosity is very important, but there are 3 things you should also keep an eye out for: the curiosity crushers. According to Dr. Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., an internationally recognized authority on brain development and children in crisis, these are fear, restrictions, and absence.

1. Fear: It is the #1 killer of curiosity. When a child’s world is hectic or when they are afraid, they’re not likely to explore. Remember that the way you handle a stressful situation, and the way you encourage further exploration helps with their development.
2. Disapproval and restrictions: When saying the words “Don’t. Don’t touch. Don’t climb. Don’t yell. Don’t get dirty”, children sense and respond to our attitudes and fears. If we convey a sense of disgust at the dirt on their clothes, their excitement for discovery will be diminished. Use as little restrictions as is safely possible.
3. Absence: The presence of a caring, encouraging, and invested adult provides essential factors for optimal exploration. It gives your child a sense of safety as well as reinforcement and approval for their discoveries.

Overall, remember you are your child’s first and most important teacher. Explore curiosity together with enthusiasm and introduce them to new experiences. Don’t forget that children explore with their senses, so provide enough opportunities for them to use them in their environment. Take into consideration your child’s abilities and age, little by little, introduce new experiences and objects that feature different shapes, textures, tastes, colors, and sounds.

Remember that helping your little one learn to use curiosity through exploration is one of the best skills you could ever cultivate!