Why Curiosity Is a Skill - and How Parents Can Grow It

How to keep the spark alive: 10 tips for nurturing curiosity in your child

Curiosity isn’t just a personality trait some kids are born with and others aren’t. It’s a skill—a mindset—that can be cultivated, strengthened, and sustained over time. While it’s true that children are born curious (just watch a toddler explore a drawer or ask “why” for the hundredth time), that innate curiosity needs to be nurtured, not taken for granted.

In fact, research shows that while curiosity peaks in early childhood, it can gradually fade if not supported—especially in environments where mistakes are punished, questions are brushed aside, or learning becomes too focused on outcomes rather than exploration.

At PopSmart Academy, we believe it’s our responsibility—as educators and parents—to protect and grow that natural sense of wonder. When children are encouraged to ask questions, follow their fascinations, and see mistakes as opportunities, they remain engaged, motivated, and joyful learners for life.

Here are 10 practical and powerful ways you can help keep that spark alive at home and nurture a lifelong love of learning in your child.

1. Celebrate the Questions, Not Just the Answers

When your child asks something—whether it’s wild, weird, or wonderful—celebrate it.

Say things like:

1. • “That’s such an interesting question!”
   • “I wonder that too—let’s figure it out together.”

Why it matters: Children are more likely to keep questioning when they know their curiosity is welcome.

2.  Be a Curious Role Model

Let your kids hear you ask your own questions. Wonder out loud:

• • “How do airplanes stay up in the air?”
  • “I wonder why leaves turn red instead of yellow.”

When they see that adults still have questions, they learn that learning never ends.

3. Create a “Wonder Wall”

Designate a space at home—on a whiteboard, poster, or notebook—for “wonderings.” Every time someone in the family asks a great question, write it down.

Try this: Let your child pick one “wonder” each weekend to research, build, or create a project around.

4. Ask Better Questions at the End of the Day

Instead of “How was your day?” try asking:

• • “What went well for you today and what did not go well?”
  • “Did anything surprise or puzzle you today?”
  • “What’s something you’d like to learn more about?”

These open-ended prompts turn dinner conversations into mini-reflection moments.

5. Leave Space for Boredom (Yes, Really)

Overscheduling kids can crowd out the very thing that feeds curiosity: free time. Boredom isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity.

Keep open-ended materials like art supplies, building blocks, science kits, or blank notebooks accessible. Let them tinker, doodle, write, build, or invent.

6. Encourage “What If?” Thinking

“What if” is the most powerful question a child can ask.

• • “What if trees could talk?”
  • “What if we made our own planet?”
  • “What if we cooked dinner upside down?”

Whether they write a story, build a model, or draw it out, “what if” thinking develops imagination, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.

7. Praise the Effort, Not Just the Outcome

Instead of focusing on being “smart” or “correct,” say things like:

• “You really thought deeply about that.”
• “I love how you kept trying even when it got tricky.”

This helps kids develop a growth mindset, where they see learning as a process—not a performance.

8. Embrace Mistakes as Part of the Journey

When your child struggles or gets something “wrong,” avoid rushing to fix it. Ask:

• • “What do you think happened?”
  • “What might you try next time?”

Kids who are safe to stumble are more willing to explore boldly—and curiosity thrives when fear of failure is removed.

9. Feed Their Interests (Even the Quirky Ones)

If your child is fascinated by insects, outer space, or how things break apart—lean in.

Check out books, videos, experiments, and museum exhibits together. Ask them to teach you what they know.

“Wow, you really know a lot about this. Want to dig deeper?”

Support for their passions—even the niche ones—reinforces their identity as a capable learner.

10. Make the World a Classroom

Curiosity doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Take a walk in a new park. Watch clouds. Visit a cultural event. Try a new recipe together. Each experience is a springboard for new questions.

After each outing, ask:

• • “What’s one thing that made you think today?”
  • “What would you want to know more about?”

Curiosity Is the Starting Line

If we want kids to become lifelong learners, creative thinkers, and problem-solvers, then curiosity is where it begins. It’s the spark behind every story, every experiment, every discovery. And it’s not something that simply fades with age—it fades when it’s not fed.

But with just a few intentional shifts—some open-ended questions here, a little space to wonder there—you can help your child grow curiosity into a lifelong strength.

At PopSmart Academy, we’re committed to creating spaces where questions are welcome, mistakes are part of the process, and exploration is celebrated. With your support at home, that spark of wonder can become a steady flame.

So the next time your child asks, “Why do stars twinkle?”—pause. Smile. Ask,

“What do you think?”

Because curiosity doesn’t just lead to learning.

Curiosity is learning.

Ready to unleash your child's inner innovator? Explore our programs and discover how PopSmartKids can help your child reach their full potential. Your child can achieve great things with the right support and guidance. Book a FREE trial class here.