Every child is born curious. Physically, curiosity makes the brain grow. “Nurturing your young child’s curiosity” is such an important foundation in the very early years of a child’s life. Also keeping up with a curious little one from creeper, toddler, 2s, 3s, on up, requires a whole lot of energy from mom, dad and caregivers. But it is fun! They grow up only once! At the end of the day it is a good “tired.” You know normal curiosity is more valuable than spending a lot of money (that we don’t have during the recessions) on specifically designed learning toys.

Here are a few simple suggestions on meeting and enhancing the curiosity needs of young children:

1. Set aside a place in your home where your child is free to play and explore. In this special “curiosity space” provide colorful containers for the children to stack, different kinds of materials with different textures for them to feel, art supplies, safe materials around the home.

2. Mini field trips around the yard, looking at different bugs, leaves and seasonal changes can engage their attention for hours. Visiting a local grocery store can be an exciting “curiosity jungle” for a toddler. Too, Daphne and Spanish Fort have many local parks and nature trails.

3. Very young children have many questions. That is how they learn! Really listen to your child’s questions with focused interest and enthusiasm. Follow their question through with the best answer you have. It may not be the right answer but they know you are trying! Be involved with what they are thinking.

4. Share your observations of the world out loud with your young child. You are modeling curiosity for them.

5. Give your young children time to have free play so they can discover things on their own. Their play is their work.

6. Read out loud to your young child of topics they are interested in.

7. Remember, “Hands On” experiences are the best avenue of letting a child explore, be curious and learn. Provide simple tools of discovery for this. An inexpensive magnifying glass, toilet tissue or paper towel roll to look through, safe and simple garden tools, etc allows a child to feel, see, discover. In the kitchen have your child help you mix, stir, make and bake foods.

Parents and caregivers, we are the gate keepers to encourage a child’s curiosity. Let’s open the gate wide!

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.

Her column appears every other week in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.