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You might probably be surprised to know that language plays a critical role in your child’s development. It encourages your child to communicate and express their thoughts and feelings. It also helps develop problem-solving skills and build and maintain relationships. In the first few years of a child’s life, language development is the basis for speech and other communication skills (1). But most importantly, the more you talk to your child, the better it is for their development.
When your kids are babies, it might seem like a one-sided conversation, which may get boring for you. But the more you engage them in conversation, the more they begin to pick up on what you’re conveying. Eventually, your babies start to respond through gestures and a few words. They might say “apple” while pointing to it, indicating that they recognize the fruit. An effective way of responding to your kid when this happens is by repeating what they say and building on it. For example, you could say, “Do you want an apple?”, while pointing to the same apple.
When kids ask us a question, as parents, we assume that our kids do not require an elaborate explanation. So, we answer them in simple answers. But today, we are here to tell you that the more details you use while answering your child, the better it is for their success as adults. A detailed explanation builds curiosity in kids because they will want to learn more, and studies show that curiosity is a contributing factor to success in school (2).
Curiosity Unlocks Your Child’s Achievement Skills
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The curious mind is a gift. It’s what gave rise to scientists who had breakthroughs that lead them to build, create, discover, and invent. We’ve all been there when our sibling or neighbor was grounded for opening up a clock, toy car, or a TV remote to see what was inside. Instead of punishing them for opening out the device, sit with them, and feed their curious mind. You could teach them the different parts found inside the toy car and build their curiosity. You can then explain to them that it’s not wise to open any or all devices even if they are curious to know what’s in them. This approach gives you a better understanding of what they’ve done rather than feeling like they did something wrong.
There is a stark difference between a simple explanation and a detailed one. When your kid asks you a question and gets a short answer, they will end up asking more questions to clear things out in their head. If your child asks you, “Where did dad go?”, you could answer it in two ways. One of them is simply saying that he went out while the other answers the next set of questions that your child could possibly have. You could say, “Dad went to the laundry to pick up our clean clothes.”
Learn More Together
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As parents, we are often afraid that we won’t know the answer to some of the things our kids ask us. The reality is that you won’t, but that is okay. Do not be afraid to say that you don’t know something. With the advancement in technology and the internet available at the tip of your fingers, it is impossible to know everything there is to know under the sun. So if your kid asks you about how a plane flies or why an ant walks in a queue, and you don’t know the answer to it, feel free to say “I don’t know”. You and your kid can learn something new together.
Instead of just saying “I don’t know” and shunning them away, you could say, “I don’t know but let’s find out together”. You’re not only learning something new with your kid, but you are letting them know that there is always something more to learn in this world. It sets a good example and teaches your child that they should try to find the answers they are looking for. Do you agree with this article? Comment below and let us know.
