Encourage Your Child To Love Learning

We all want our kids to love to learn. A passion for learning is quite different from just studying to earn a grade or to please parents or teachers. Those who develop a love of learning at an early age continue the process throughout their lives and are generally more successful, interesting, and happier than those who don't.

Here are some simple ways to nurture that passion for learning in your child.

1. Talk with your child about the things you read and hear, especially the things you find interesting.

2. Ask your kids how they feel about various issues (current events, relationships, values). Allow them to have opinions without passing judgment. Ask your children to help you understand why they feel the way they do.

3. Pursue your own hobbies and interests. Share these with your child, but do not require that he or she follow your pursuits.

4. Encourage your kids to have interests of their own. If they show curiosity about a hobby, area of study, sport, or instrument, encourage and support them in any way your finances allow.

5. Read books. Read on your own, which sets a good example. Read to your kids, to get them hooked on books.

6. Expose your child to a wide variety of experiences including music, plays, sports, museums, travel, reading, dance, games, food, puzzles, ethnic activities, etc. One never knows how what exposure may influence future life choices.

7. Play "thinking games" with your kids. These are games where there is not just one answer. Scrabble and chess are examples. Emphasize the value of thoughtful moves rather than the importance of winning.

Take note:
8. If you demonstrate excitement about learning and are open to your children pursuing their own interest areas, it will be hard for them to resist the opportunities.

9. Explain to your child why he or she is learning, and how it will be worthwhile for example, learning multiplication tables.