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Exploring our inquisitive nature is important because it allows us to be active learners, encourages us to be observant and generally opens up a world of possibilities. With this in mind, parents should try and encourage their children to be inquisitive, to help them develop intellectually and perform well in school. Of course, that’s easier said than done, so here’s some advice from a private school in London to get you started.
Encourage an Open Mind
Chat to your child about the fact that there is so much for them to learn and sometimes what they believe they know might be wrong. Remind them that even adults don’t know everything and sometimes they have to research the answers if they want to understand something on a deeper level. With that said, encourage your child not to take things at face value all the time – sometimes they should delve a little deeper and expand their knowledge further.
Promote Questions
Relentless questions from our children can be a little infuriating, especially when we’re tired or busy, but questions are important if you want to cultivate their curiosity. Show them that it’s ok to ask questions by asking questions of your own. For instance, if you’re using a piece of technology, say something like “Who do you think invented this?”. If you’re eating a piece of fruit, ask “Where do you think this banana was grown?”. This will demonstrate to your child that asking questions is perfectly acceptable and will help with their learning. When they do come to you with questions, avoid turning them away.
Avoid the Word “Boring”
Labelling something as “boring” in front of your child closes the door on it being an opportunity for learning for your child. Even if you are not particularly interested in or curious about a TV show or a new material item, your child might be inquisitive about it and calling it boring will just put them off.
Mix Up Your Routine
If you want your child to be inquisitive, you will need to introduce them to new people, places, and experiences from time to time. Go to a restaurant that serves foreign cuisine or find a new museum that you haven’t been to before. This will inspire your child and stimulate their curiosity, because it will show them that they still have so much to learn and the world is so much bigger than the four walls of your home.