A love of learning will get your child far in life. It will help them explore the world and find the education, career, and circumstances that work best for them. But this love of learning isn’t necessarily something they are born with. Instead, it is important for parents to instill it in their children. This is something that parents can do early, starting well before elementary school. Here are some ways you can instill a love of learning in your child.
Show Them Your Passion
Children often see their parents as only parents, not fully formed humans with interests of their own. Make sure that your kids see you interacting with your interests. Show them when you’re curious about something new or enjoying a learning experience. This will show them that learning is something that goes far beyond the classroom.
Express Enthusiasm for Their School Work
If your child sees that you aren’t interested in their school assignments or reading, they won’t be either. So, whether it is elementary school math or a high school science experiment, show interest in what your child is doing at school. Ask questions and do your own research so that you can have discussions together.
Expose Them to New Ideas
Your child needs to know that there are always new things to learn about. It is important that you are always exposing them to new ideas on a variety of topics. Look into what’s happening in different fields and bring it to your child. Read interesting kid-friendly articles and books to them before bed. This could spark debate and new interests that will get them more excited to read and learn in and out of school.
Go to New Places
Explore new places with your child. While long-distance travel can be an exciting learning opportunity, you can also do this much closer to home. Visit museums, historical sites, and other educational places together. By seeing these things in person, you and your child will have a different connection to them than they would learning about them at home or in the classroom. So, take advantage of any opportunity you have to travel.
Instilling a love of learning in your child doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. In fact, it can be a fun bonding activity for the two of you through elementary school and beyond.
