So here’s something to picture for just a moment: your child, who used to spend hours marveling at bugs in the yard or inventing wildly imaginative stories, now grumbles at the thought of anything remotely educational. Maybe even when it comes to the holiday season, they have next to no interest in those learning-filled activities (like the history of the holiday itself). Basically, the wide-eyed wonder is gone, replaced by eye-rolls and the dreaded phrase, “Why do I even need to learn this?” Sound familiar? It’s a phase every parent dreads.
At some point, kids decide that learning just isn’t “cool” anymore. Or at least they might think it’s boring since this is usually tied into tests and homework. But learning is cool, as an adult, you know that, but if it’s not fun for a kid, well, good luck getting them interested.
It’s not just for toddlers figuring out what shapes fit where or scientists in labs solving world problems. Essentially, learning is for anyone who wants to make life just a little bit more magical. Your job? Help your child rediscover that magic.
Now, with all of that said, here’s how you can make it happen; yes, get that magic back!
Make Learning Feel Like an Adventure, Not a Chore
Alright, so learning starts to feel like broccoli when it’s forced, right? Basically, nobody looks forward to something they’re told to enjoy. That’s why you have to be sneaky; basically, you’ll want to turn learning into the sprinkles on their sundae, not the kale smoothie they dread.
But how? Where? What do you even need to do to begin? Well, ideally, you should tie learning to the stuff they already love. Got a kid obsessed with superheroes? Well, why not dive into physics and explain how Spider-Man swings from the web? If they’re all about sports, look into stats or the science behind speed and strength. When kids see how knowledge connects to their passions, they realise learning isn’t some boring obligation; rather, it’s a tool to make the things they love even cooler.
Create a Home Where Curiosity Is King
Just about every child of every age is naturally curious. Just ask anyone who’s fielded the 200th “Why?” of the day. However, that curiosity can get squashed pretty fast. Now, you have to keep in mind that your home needs to feed into curiosity. Ideally, you should keep books, puzzles, and art supplies within arm’s reach.
In all honesty, it’s even going to help if you just went ahead and set up experiments, even if it’s just testing what happens when you microwave marshmallows (with supervision, of course). But why? Well, the goal isn’t to have all the answers; it’s to create an environment where asking questions feels as natural as breathing.
Obviously, this all needs to be age-appropriate because what might be great for a 3-year-old isn’t going to cut it for a 12-year-old. So, here’s a great example: if you have younger kids, such as a toddler or even preschool age, then you may want to consider sensory activities for kids (that are age-appropriate). Usually, parents do this with babies, but it really should never stop there.
Just think squishy, colorful, messy fun that gets their brains buzzing and hands busy. A great example would be kinetic sand or even that slime that used to be super popular a few years back. But honestly, there are more than enough DIYs and ideas out there for some sensory fun.
Show Them That Learning Isn’t Just for School
So here’s the thing: if kids think learning only happens in classrooms, they’re going to run the other way. Generally speaking, learning isn’t confined to textbooks or whiteboards; it’s pretty much all around us. So, why not take them to museums where they can touch a real dinosaur bone or see electricity in action? You could even bake cookies together and talk about how baking is basically science with sprinkles- this is pretty much for all ages, including teenagers.
Believe it or not, even a walk in the park can become a treasure hunt for learning. Here’s a great example: you can explain why leaves change colour, and what the birds are called. Basically, the world is one giant classroom if you frame it the right way.
Let Technology Be a Sidekick
Okay, now you just really need to understand that screens aren’t the enemy here. Sure, they’re often blamed for turning kids into zombies, but when used wisely, they’re more like “Robin to your child’s Batman” (okay, maybe that’s a weird analogy). There are apps and websites that gamify learning so well that kids don’t even realise they’re leveling up in math, science, or reading. But it usually depends on the age of the kid and what they may find interesting.
The trick is balance. So, ideally, you’ll need to encourage them to alternate between digital adventures and hands-on experiences. Just don’t choose one of the other.
Surround Them with Like-Minded Explorers
Now, this may or may not be the hard part (when it comes to school and classmates, it can be tough). For the most part, kids are heavily influenced by their peers. If the vibe in their social circle is “learning isn’t cool,” it’s an uphill battle to change their mindset. But if they’re hanging out with kids who light up at the thought of robotics competitions or art classes, the magic starts to rub off.
It’s best to go ahead and sign them up for clubs or extracurriculars that align with their interests. It could be anything from theater, chess, or karate; these spaces teach them that learning comes in many forms—and it’s a lot more fun with friends.
Give Them the Freedom to Lead the Way
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is get out of their way. No really! You should let them dive headfirst into their interests, even if they don’t seem “educational” at first glance. When kids have the autonomy to explore what they love, they’re far more likely to embrace the learning process. And guess what? Once they feel like the driver of their own educational journey, they’ll take those skills into other areas of life, too.
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This is a contributed post.
