Curiosity Is Harmless, How Does It Help Your Child?

Do you remember how kids at a certain age start asking questions that begin with "why?" Why must I eat carrots? Why does it rain? Why are the leaves green? and so on. These questions may not seem simple to answer as they may seem at first. These kinds of questions encourage seeking answers as well as stimulating exploration of everything around us.

Consider the pattern in children from watching and touching a spoon to eating with it and budding hand-eye coordination at its peak to reach out and grasp things in the vicinity. It continues when newborns crawl and toddlers walk out of curiosity, as if they are always searching for answers. Well, it's all because of a constant desire to learn and explore new things.

The natural instinct of curiosity in children and even adolescents, compels them to search, experiment with new things, the whole process of seeking, contemplating, and experimenting is exploring.

Exposing them to situations, surroundings, objects, and people can help unleash their passion, interests, and potential for what they are capable of doing. Letting them follow their interests can be rewarding, as young entrepreneur Tilak Mehta, founder of ‘Paper & Parcel’, who at the age of 15 years made a digital courier company that provides one day delivery anywhere in Mumbai with help of Mumbai Dabbawala.

If you give that time for experimenting and exploring things, along with a nurturing environment, to your child, you can eventually see what wonders they are capable of.

Don’t Curb Curiosity

Real exploration is not possible through a screen or from a second-hand source; real perspective must be gained in person directly. Which is why children need to be well exposed to varied environments and circumstances directly in order to understand and explore their interests and also to unleash their inner qualities. Let’s understand how it can be achieved.

>> Have a healthy conversation: A productive and open conversation about their likes, dislikes, favourite movies, and interests can help a child have a moment of seeing through and realising their passions and goals. Moreover, a warm and welcoming gesture can implant an image of understanding and supporting parents which can lead to building a strong bond and relationship as well.

>> Observe their actions: Parents could use their lifelong experience to observe their children's hidden talents and interests that are yet to be discovered, such as their potential and capabilities. Based on those observations, you can expose them to their respective situations. For instance, your child might feel connected to music and singing, so you can get them admitted to singing classes.

Also Read - 6 Personal Experiences You Must Share With Your Teenager

>> Encouraging them to meet new people: Encouraging children to meet different people and new circles can influence them to be confident and to come out of their shell. It will also help them understand different mindsets and personalities. Moreover, meeting new people can fill them with new ideas and knowledge, which can further motivate them to enhance their own craft and work. Meeting different individuals can be rewarding with new opportunities and insight as well.

>> Encourage extracurricular activities: Taking seasonal nature walks with parents, visiting zoos, museums, libraries, and live musical and theatrical performances are all activities that lead to experimentation and exploration. Apart from that, taking part in sports, artistic activities such as painting, dancing, and singing can help unleash their interest and passion at a young age.

>> Travel: Travel offers a unique opportunity for learning, exploring new locations, cultures, and races, adding to their memories and experiences. It can give them a new perspective on seeing the world and fill their spirit with enthusiasm and excitement. Having the experience of new places and cultures can also be a reason for developing their inner confidence and mental strength.

Also Read - How Can You Train Your Child To Be A Mastermind?

Curiosity Aids Exploration

Children who are eager to try new experiences develop healthy neurological connections that act as a key to learning and behaviour their entire lives. Young ones learn best by exploring their own interests and making discoveries. Children are able to design their own wisdom through understanding their environment and peers, interacting with their surroundings, and following their instincts and impulses in a secure and nurturing atmosphere. Both in the classroom and in daily life, exploration is a crucial component of growth.

>> Increases Knowledge: Exploration reduces the fear of failure while encouraging curiosity and discovery. Children can think more critically and approach things in a more diverse way if they are allowed and encouraged to dig deeper in order to grow their education. Meeting different people and facing diverse situations can add new perspectives and information.

>> Stimulate Imagination: The urge to explore and create things can compel our mind to dig into the world of imagination, which is why exploration acts as a fuel for imagination. It is one of the important qualities in our everyday lives as it can create solutions to many of the problems. Like when Thomas Edison invented the "light bulb" it was his curiosity to find a solution that led to such innovation when the world was struggling without it. Creativity gives our life a little spark and may provide curiosity and enthusiasm.

>> Boosts Mental Health: Children also suffer stress, even if we don't often realise it. They are living in a puzzling and totally distinct era from any other generation; exploring can indulge them not only physically but mentally too. It further leads to self-awareness, which can build unbreakable confidence and self worth, communication, and empathy. Let's say you are travelling and visiting new places, the first sense you will experience is a feeling of calmness, which will release stress. Moreover, encountering new facts and analysing them can boost mental productivity, which further leads to building a healthy mind. Additionally, a healthy mind is responsible for regulating emotions, which is important for the growth of children and adolescents.

>> Unleash the inner strength: Children often encounter unfamiliar situations that cause some discomfort, such as confusion over which colour to use palette to choose, or learning challenging dance moves. Overcoming these difficulties can help children become mentally stronger and more prepared to deal with challenges they might encounter later in life. It enables them to see beyond short-term gratification and keep going in search of a greater reward.

>> Critical thinking: During the transition phase, adolescents experience major shifts when it comes to their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. Being involved in extracurricular activities like sports, dancing, or experimenting can help them pass the transition easily and also develop critical thinking and make the right decisions on their own.

Also Read - Having A Holistic View Of Education: Why Parents Need To Modify Perspective