Curiosity in kids matters more than you think. Here’s what parents should do

“How to make a car?”, “How big is the universe?”, “How does an aeroplane fly?”, and “How do fish breathe underwater?”– If these questions sound familiar, you’ve got a curious little Einstein at home. Kids are inherently curious, and that’s a superpower. This curiosity fuels better learning, problem-solving, and development in kids.

So, let’s discover why curiosity is the secret to raising enthusiastic learners and how parents can nurture this in their children.

The power of wonder - Why curiosity is key for kids' success

• Nurtures a lifelong love for learning- Curious kids are natural learners, always seeking out new information, which helps them grow, explore, and enjoy the world around them. When nurtured from the beginning, they turn into curious learners for life.?
• Boosts problem-solving skills- Curiosity encourages kids to think critically and creatively. Curious kids often come up with new ideas and approaches in their day-to-day activities, whether it's inventing new games with friends or finding ways to overcome obstacles.
• Prepares them for the future- In our ever-changing world, curiosity helps kids adapt to new information and development in various fields, such as technology, making them future-ready. And guess what? Voice-based technology, like Amazon’s Alexa, can be a fantastic tool to feed their curiosity and answer those endless "whys".

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What needs to be done??

It's important for parents to not only satisfy their kids' curiosity but also create an environment that encourages more questions and exploration. According to a recent study commissioned by Amazon Alexa and conducted by Kantar in June 2024, involving 750+ parents across six cities, about 54% of parents admitted they often struggle to have instant answers to their kids' questions. Let’s explore how parents can overcome this hurdle and support their kids’ learning:

1. Transform daily questions into learning moments

With an Echo smart speaker powered by Alexa, children can get answers to spontaneous questions that arise during daily activities. For instance, you can ask, “Alexa, why should I drink milk?” or “Alexa, what sound does a Tiger make?” and Alexa can provide informative responses, turning everyday moments into educational opportunities. Encourage kids to seek information from Alexa about things they encounter. Whether it’s a word meaning or a new type of animal, Alexa’s responses can satisfy and further spark their curiosity.

2. Dive into stories and books

Use Alexa to access a wide range of audiobooks and stories. Ask, “Alexa, tell me a story,” or request specific ones like Akbar Birbal or Panchatantra to introduce kids to diverse folktales and children’s stories. Make bedtime magical by just saying “Alexa, tell me a bedtime story.” This not only fosters a love for stories but also stirs their imagination and listening skills without a screen.

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3. Play educational games and quizzes

Engage your child’s mind with fun and educational games available on Alexa. Ask, “Alexa, open the Number Guessing Game” or “Alexa, open Animal Guessing Game” or explore other interactive options that challenge their knowledge and problem-solving skills. Pick quizzes that match your child’s interests, whether it’s related to math, science, or wildlife. Alexa’s ability to provide instant feedback makes learning dynamic and enjoyable.

4. Encourage creative expression through music

Whether it's nursery rhymes, Bollywood hits, popular global hits for kids, or folk songs, Alexa can be your child’s musical companion. Simply ask, “Alexa, play Bum Bum Bole,” or “Alexa, play Baby Shark,” and watch as your child gets inspired to sing, dance, and let themselves free. Help them connect with nostalgic rhymes from your childhood -? just ask “Alexa, play Nani Teri Morni” or involve them in upcoming festivities by encouraging them to play devotional music with Alexa, e.g. “Alexa, play Ganesh Aarti”.

5. Cultivate lifelong learning and exploration

Show your own curiosity by exploring new topics with Alexa. Ask questions together and share discoveries, demonstrating that learning is a lifelong adventure. From questions about topics related to science, history, geography, culture, and more, families can explore so much by freely asking Alexa. Help kids learn about festivals by asking “Alexa, why do we celebrate Diwali”, or explore the lives of famous figures - “Alexa, who is Ramanujan?” or learn about the world we live in - “Alexa, why is the sky blue?”. ?

So, in a nutshell, curiosity in kids is more than just a phase; it's a characteristic that drives learning, growth, and success. By nurturing their natural inquisitiveness, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of learning. With tools like Alexa, turning their endless "whys" into learning moments becomes easier and more enjoyable.