I stopped myself just in time.
We were bopping along the street yesterday afternoon. The kids were blowing bubbles into the winds sweeping around Walthamstow. The 4-year-old asked:
‘Mummy, can we get ones that don’t run away next time?’
Me: ‘Ya what?’
4-year-old: ‘Bubbles that don’t run away.’
Me: ‘What do you…’
*Realisation*: She’s annoyed that the bubbles are blowing away before she can pop them.
So I start answering: ‘No, all bubbles.…’
And then PING… that was the moment I caught myself.
Two choices ahead. 1. Tell her all bubbles will float away because it’s windy. Or 2. Don’t just tell her. Let her explore and figure it out for herself.
The new me: ‘Are you annoyed the bubbles are blowing away and you want to find ones that stick around longer?’
4-year-old: ‘Yes’
Now enlightened-feeling me: ‘Shall we get a couple of different types and see if there’s a difference?’
4-year-old. ‘Yes, please.’
Because it didn’t matter that I already know the answer. The point is, she doesn’t. And actively discovering it for herself means it will stick, and open up new ideas and questions. Way more than if her know-it-all parent just tells her the answer.
Which leads me nicely on to this week’s book. I’ve done this one before, but it was pre-book chain. Plus it ties in so excellently with the Awe and Wonder Studio coming up at half term, it would be rude not to.
Ada Twist, Scientist is a reminder that although the incessant questions and experimenting can drive us up the wall, the inquisitive mind needs to be watered and allowed to grow.
We want our kids to be curious and ask questions. That’s how they become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, novelists, historians…
Everything starts with a question.
We want them to keep asking questions other than ‘Did I get it right?’
We don’t know what the world or job market is going to look like when they enter it. But we do know that being inquisitive, up for learning and adaptable to new information will take them far.
Let me send you a copy this week. Send me your address.
Love Becca x
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