Tired of the eternal ‘whys’ of your little one? Fret not. They are an indication of his scientific leaning. Here’s how you can help develop scientific temper in him.
By Hannah S Mathew
This is a four-year-old’s explanation of why you hear thunder only after you’ve seen lightning:
“You can listen to thunder after lightning and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it: you got hit. So, never mind.”
It’s cute, of course; but notice how much thought this little child has given to the matter. Whether your child is a preteen or a toddler, she has a natural tendency to seek out reasons for the various mysteries of life that she comes across. Your little one’s scientific temperament is directly related to the environment she is in and the company she keeps. Therefore, your parenting style has a lot to offer to her growing curiosity. The mere study of science alone will not do. In fact, she needs to adopt a state of mind that makes intelligent enquiries and plumps for scientific explanations.
In a world full of misleading ‘old media wives’ tales’, a scientific rationale is of the utmost importance. Here are some ideas to help you nurture in her an evidence-based curiosity of the phenomena around her.
A pro-science home will encourage your child to make the most of his enquiring mind.
Teach your child critical thinking skills to better her problem-solving skills and IQ.
Steer your hero away from the customary satisfactions of finding answers on the Internet.
It’s not only learning, your child needs to study.
Employ games and electronic devices to usher the fun element into his scientific thinking.
Your child will use her knowledge with ease as you explore things together. Have discussions with her. Focal points for discussion must include important elements specific to creating a scientific bent of mind.
You will need to be patient as developing a scientific temper is not instant. Nevertheless, in a world that is replete with misinformation, uncertainty and flux, your precious child needs to be unreservedly reliant on his scientific temperament. This is a strength that will equip him to be an invaluable citizen of the world regardless of the career path he chooses to embark on.
Hannah S Mathew is a freelance teacher, trainer and certified diagnostic counsellor.
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