Growing a curious child.

People are naturally curious. Curiosity makes life interesting. It perks us up and gives us something to think about. It enables us to solve problems and to be introspective and less defensive. Curiosity focuses our attention outward and encourages exploration and learning.

Unfortunately, curiosity can be experienced as:

dangerous - as in, curiosity killed the cat.

annoying - as in, why do you have to ask so many questions?

intrusive - as in, mind your own business.

uncomfortable - as in, that's not an appropriate topic for discussion.

The grown-ups in a child's life can encourage their musings by recognizing the potential of curiosity as a force for healthy growth. Let's be be willing to step out of our comfort zones and meet our children's questions with patience and some curiosity of our own. And, we can ponder and wonder as well; inviting our children to join us.