Apr 5
The Loss of Curiosity
This week’s post doesn’t answer a question but instead looks at a subconscious trend observed about curiosity. I would love to know what you think; please post your comments below.
Children are born naturally curious, always asking, “what’s this,” “what’s that,” “how does this work,” “why,” and “what happens when…” Then they go to school and they are taught what to know. They are tested on what they know and graded based on how well they can repeat that information. Often they leave school thinking they “know it all” because that’s what they need to believe to succeed. Additionally, access to technology has kids convinced everything they need to know is at their fingertips. As a result of those realities and over-scheduled lifestyles kids are losing their natural tendency to be curious.
As parents we cannot tell our kids to be curious, we MUST SHOW THEM CURIOSITY. Here are some ways you can do it:
- Be curious about the world – Don’t take information at face value, dig deeper through research online AND offline. The easy research happens online. To go deeper, create experiences that help your child explore their natural curiosity. If your child is interested in birds, get some binoculars, find a place with birds and explore. If your kid is interested in computers, find an educational program where you can learn about them together.
- Ask questions – Show your child curiosity by being curious about him/her. Ask questions that go deeper than the surface. Don’t accept one word answers or “I don’t know;” keep going by asking more questions. For example, “How was your day?” “It was good.” “Nice, what was good about it? What specifically did you enjoy? What did you learn today? What was your favorite activity of the day? What was your greatest challenge today?”
- Create time for curiosity – Schedule “free” time to explore and get curious. Remember, children don’t hear what you say, they model what you do. Whatever the activity/curiosity, schedule time each week to do it. If you/your child enjoy photography, go on a photo walk in your yard. If you/your child is interested in writing, schedule time to write and then share it with the family.
- Admit you don’t have all the answers – Admitting you don’t know is the greatest gift you can give a child. It gives you the opportunity to get curious together and it lets them know you are human. Kids need to know you don’t know so it’s ok for them not to have all the answers, and then you can show them curiosity at work.
Practicing curiosity is wonderfully freeing for adults and children. It improves communication, increases brain activity and opens us up to a beautifully human approach to life. How will you get curious today?
Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.
