Any parent can encourage a thirst for knowledge

I’ve always loved to learn, whether by reading about interesting topics, watching documentaries, looking things up on Wikipedia, or taking courses here and there. It wasn’t hard to instill that thirst for knowledge in my kids; passing it on came naturally to me.

Recently, it struck me that if I’d had a different relationship to learning—namely, if I hadn’t had a passion for it—I would’ve wanted someone to change my perspective. I believe that a new mindset can do wonders, in both the short and long term, for kids without a natural affinity for learning.

When you think about it, everyone is interested in learning about something. It’s human nature.
If your views on learning in general have been tainted by bad memories of school, you’re not alone. Nonetheless, when you look back on your experiences with the benefit of hindsight, you’re likely to find moments where you enjoyed learning.

You don’t have to love numbers or chemistry to foster a thirst for knowledge in your kids!
You can just as easily encourage a passion for learning new things through non-academic subjects and everyday experiences.

For example, I always try to find the answers to my kids’ questions.
I don’t like ending conversations with “I don’t know.” If one of my boys asks what a certain marine animal eats, I’ll do the research to come up with the answer. It’s a contagious habit! My eldest, who’s started to read and write, is getting more and more determined to figure out the answers to his questions by himself.

Because it makes school a little easier.
Kids who are accustomed to finding the answers to their questions and want to know more about their interests have a big advantage. Their mindset gradually shifts from “I have to” to “I want to.”

Of course, this doesn’t miraculously make school a walk in the park.
But since kids generally spend quite a few years in the classroom, I like to think there’s something I can do to help mine have a positive experience. A love of learning can have a direct impact on how much effort a child puts into assignments, homework, and studying.

• Make a habit of finding the answers to your kids’ questions, but also your own.
• Start developing your kids’ thirst for knowledge by encouraging them to learn more about topics they’re already interested in.
• Determine how you and your kids learn best (e.g., through reading, watching documentaries, doing research, seeing exhibitions).

Happy learning!