Are We ‘Killing’ Children’s Natural Curiosity?
Thoughts:
When kids ask questions, often we’re too tired to entertain their genuine curiosity.
They ask about every little detail. Again and again.
They ask ‘out of this world’ questions.
They ask ‘too personal’ questions.
They ask ‘the same old questions’.
They ask ‘at the wrong time’.
As the result, well … insensitive remarks may be uttered.
And soon, some choose to be quiet instead, for fear of getting negative responses from us (parents, teachers, educators).
…
Reminder to self:
Let’s not shut their curiosity down if we wish for them to be critical thinkers who make a positive difference.
Instead of raising children who passively ‘swallow’ information and blindly memorise data, let’s encourage them to critically think and ask themselves questions like:
‘Why did it happen?
‘What does it mean?’
‘How is it relevant to me?’
‘How can it be done better?’
‘What lessons can I gain from it?’
And, we can encourage critical thinking by throwing questions to them, too.
…
Often I’m just too tired to entertain questions, and I simply prefer to just be quietSome say,
‘What if we don’t know the answer to their questions?’
‘What if we feel the questions are too personal and we don’t want to reveal the answer to them?’
Well, to me, it’s fine.
Because, we may not have the answers, and it’s okay.
Sometimes, little kids just ask without really wanting to know the real details anyway.
What they need are listening ears and positive responses from us.
So, the real challenge actually lies with us:
Can WE stay positive when the same questions are asked again and again?
Can WE stay cool as we teach them to wait for answers or to not interrupt when Mommy or Daddy is in the middle of a conversation with someone else?
Can we put down our phone and just ‘listen’ to their curious minds?
…
I personally need extra wisdom and patience from above, on so many occasions, because often, I’m just too tired to entertain questions, and I simply prefer to just be quiet.
…
Too many things in life that are beyond what we can understand.
But we really should keep asking and wondering, learning and exploring.
And we should encourage our children to do the same.
Food for thought.
