Why curiosity is your kid’s superpower
Curiosity increases children’s problem-solving, determination, resilience, creativity, and academic achievement. Here’s how you can nurture their superpower.
Curiosity. It's the secret sauce that turns ordinary moments into learning adventures and the spark that ignites a lifelong love for exploration and discovery. But we're not just talking about something fluffy–curiosity is a powerful trait that can shape your child's academic success, emotional well-being, and even future career.
Don't just take our word for it. A growing body of research (this paper from Susan Engel is a wonderful read) supports the idea that curiosity is a child’s superpower, a real, life-altering, game-changing force for good.
The best bit about all this research–research that draws from a rich tapestry of developmental psychology, cognitive science, and educational practice–is that it brings up some key things that we as parents can embrace and use to help our children grow:
Curiosity is innate
From the moment they enter the world, children are wired to explore, ask questions, and soak up information like sponges. We don’t need to do anything to instill it. It’s already there.
Curiosity drives success
Seriously–curiosity is now genuinely linked to the development of better problem-solving skills, persistence and resilience, emotional well-being, creativity, learning engagement, memory and retention, and overall higher academic achievement.
But schools often don’t provide enough space for it
Traditional schooling frequently has to sideline any real space for developing curiosity in the mix of set curricula, standardized tests, expectations, and progress. That means fostering this crucial trait is up to us, parents!
So, let's be clear: curiosity isn't just a buzzword. It's a genuine game-changer. It's a key to unlocking a world of learning and a lifetime of possibilities. But as parents, how do we use this information to help our children leverage it? How do we help them develop their curiosity in a way that drives success (whatever that means to them)?
How to nurture and channel the curiosity superpower
Emphasize the journey, not the destination
It's easy to get caught up in the end result. But the journey is where the magic really happens. Encourage your child to focus on the process of learning and exploration. Not only does it help them develop a growth mindset, but it also teaches them to value the effort and persistence that goes into achieving something.
Talk about the steps they took, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. This approach teaches them that the experience of learning itself means something. Journaling is another excellent way for kids to develop this skill of appreciating the process.
It doesn’t have to be anything extensive–just a few lines each night about how your child felt about their day, what they hoped to get out of it, and what actually happened. What did they learn? What surprised them? What would they like to explore next? This reflection process not only develops their understanding but also helps them make connections between different ideas. It teaches them, through the vital skill of reflection, that life is more interesting when it’s not just about the end game.
The journey is beautiful. Help your children look out the window more.
Create a safe space for exploration
Make sure your child feels completely comfortable expressing their curiosity. Yes, the four hundredth ‘why’ question over breakfast can feel impossible to keep smiling through, but curiosity and questions go hand in hand. Encourage them as much as you can.
As counterintuitive as it can feel, create a space where mistakes are encouraged, supported, talked about, explored, and reflected on. This culture builds your child’s confidence and belonging. Feeling safe, including safe to fail, is crucial for curiosity to grow. Use your power to make your home a safe space for your kids.
Support open-ended learning
Open-ended activities like imaginative play, cooking and baking, art projects, building things with blocks, and science experiments create an environment that ignites curiosity. The result of activities like these is interesting, maybe even useful, but it’s the journey where all the learning and discovery happens.
The more open-ended and winding that journey is, and the fewer right-and-wrongs there are, the more your child’s brain will start finding new and different paths to explore. These open learning experiences won’t just encourage curiosity. They’ll develop creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Offer a variety of resources
Unlike previous generations, you have access to books, documentaries, podcasts, and online classes. Not to mention apps, games, epic building sets, and science kits from local libraries. And, of course, museums, nature trails, and parks. We live in a time when physical and digital learning materials have never been easier to find. But you can go even one step further.
Consider places, people, and opportunities, too. For example, you could take your child to a community art workshop. Or, if there isn’t anything local to you, sign up for one online. You could introduce them to a local scientist, historian, or musician. Or connect them with passionate mentors in science, history, or music from all around the world.
Don't forget the curiosity-fostering power of nature, either. A day of hiking, bird-watching, or playground-hunting gives space to endless questions and discovery. Even a simple visit to a farmer's market can turn into conversations about where our food comes from, how money works, or what healthy eating looks like.
The key is to expand how you think about ‘resources’ and make sure you’re bringing interesting people and places into your child’s life, too.
Leverage platforms like Outschool
Outschool offers an almost endless library of classes that will ignite your child's curiosity. Whether they're into designing their own games, dabbling in photography, learning a new language, or leveling up at chess, you’ll find classes, groups, and sessions that your child will love.
With Outschool, that all-important community aspect comes built in. When children connect with others on subjects they're interested in, they explore even more deeply. Watching their peers get excited about something, learning from each other’s questions, and experiencing a teacher’s passion for their subject help kids fall in love with learning. Connection and collaboration are vital companions on a curiosity journey and sit at the heart of everything we do.
Conclusion
Curiosity isn't just a buzzword–it’s one of the most essential building blocks in the foundation of a fulfilling, enriching life. By understanding its importance and how to foster it and taking actionable steps to create the right environment, space, and opportunities for your child, you're doing more than just indulging those endless questions. You're setting the stage for a lifetime of discovery, resilience, connection, and joy.
If you're looking for a key resource that aligns perfectly with this philosophy, come and explore Outschool’s amazing classes. There are–seriously–over 140,000 of them. Outschool provides a structured but flexible learning environment that will be a game-changer in your family’s educational journey. Join us, and together, we’ll embrace your child’s superpower. 💪 Ignite your kid’s curiosity now.
