How to Raise an Inquisitive Child

Babies and young children are naturally inquisitive as they learn about the world around them through exploration and asking questions. As children get older it is so important to try and keep this curious nature thriving to inspire a love of learning and enthusiasm for experimenting with new things. An independent school in London has shared their ideas on how you can nurture your child's curiosity and encourage them to keep exploring.

Switch It Up
Routine is of course important for children and necessary for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, routine does not particularly fan the flames of curiosity. Introducing your child to new, interesting surroundings and occasionally tweaking their daily routine will stimulate their minds and encourage them to ask questions. Even taking an alternative route home from school or serving something different for dinner will introduce them to the joy of trying new things and encourage them to be a little more adventurous.

Imaginative Play
Computer games and board games can be great fun but the structured format doesn't leave much room for creativity. Unstructured play allows children to access their curiosity and imagination and nurtures their sense of discovery. Allow your child to lead the way when it comes to play, if they constantly rely on you as a source of entertainment or as a playmate, they are less likely use their imaginations and indulge in pretend play. Dress-up games are a fun way to initiate imaginative play as your child can act out being someone else entirely. Normal household objects can be used as props to support pretend play, bed sheets and living room furniture can be rearranged to make a fort and a cardboard box can be transformed into a makeshift rocket ship.

Questions: Ask & Answer
You must feed their curiosity by praising them for asking questions and help them to find the answers. Granted, you may not know the answer to everything they ask, but do not worry as this is simply a great opportunity to demonstrate your own inquisitiveness and you can set out to find the answer together. You can also encourage your child to be more inquisitive by asking them open ended questions. Asking your child ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions prompts them to apply critical thinking and imagination to come up with an answer, and also encourages them to ask more questions of their own.

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