Curiosity is Good

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Do we want our children to be curious? Almost every parent we talk to says, “Yes!” But here’s another question: Are we working to encourage and develop curiosity in our children, or are we unknowingly squashing it?

How might we unintentionally squash curiosity?

• Our three-year-old starts to ask “Why?” about everything. We respond with annoyance at their endless questions.
• Our seven-year-old questions why they need to do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or taking a bath, and we end up lecturing them about arguing.
• Our teenager begins to question the existence of God and the basics of our faith. Out of fear they may not follow God, we respond with another lecture.

It’s almost as if we believe in curiosity—until it’s too much, or until it touches on topics that scare us.

What if we embraced curiosity more? What if we saw it not as annoying or scary, but as an essential part of discipling our kids?

What if we viewed these curious questions as opportunities to shape and mold their minds and hearts?

Suzanne often talks about how kids use curiosity to build “databases” in their brains about life. At every age, they’re discovering their own beliefs, from the benefits—and cost—of taking a bath to, later on, the benefits—and cost—of following Jesus.

By embracing their curiosity, we build trust and deepen our relationships, all while helping them form their own beliefs.

Is your child asking curious questions? When you embrace their curiosity, you help them embrace life.