At no time in life is curiosity more powerful than early childhood. Children are learning through every single experience that they have. Between the ages of three and four a child can ask as many as 40,000 questions as they try to make sense of the world.

While it can be exasperating to be on the receiving end of these endless queries, it can also be a wonderful opportunity to slow down and see the world through your child's eyes. This is an important part of your child's development, and by responding thoughtfully, you not only help them learn but you also expand their vocabulary and teach them social skills.

By tuning in to the subject your child is curious about, and by sharing their wonder, you will encourage your child to be confident in being curious, which is the foundation of all learning. 

You can nurture your child’s curiosity by providing them with opportunities to explore and learn. And seeing the world through a child’s eyes can be great for parents too, helping you notice things you wouldn’t see otherwise. 

Watch this short video for more about childhood curiosity: 

Video Transcript:

Why is the sky blue? Where does the sun go? How many stars are in the sky?

Research shows that between the ages of two and five a child asks around 40,000 questions. 

But it isn’t easy to be the adult on the receiving end of these non-stop queries. Especially when... sh!, you may not know all the answers.

Asking questions is your child’s way of trying to make sense of the world, and share their interests with you.

And by tuning in and sharing their wonder, you can help your child develop confidence in curiosity, which is the foundation of all learning.

Seeing the world through a child’s eyes can be great for parents too, helping you notice things you wouldn’t otherwise see. 

You might not have all the answers, but use this opportunity to share in their interest and bond with your child.

And remember this phase of your child’s development won’t last forever. 

• This video features Fatjona Borizani, Perinatal Health Lead at Home-Start Barnet, Brent, Enfield and Harrow.

Further resources:

• BBC Tiny Happy People - why does your child ask why?
• Hungry Little Minds - has lots of good resources for child development.

Further support:

Your child:

• If it feels like your child's behaviour is unusual and you have serious concerns, you can speak to your GP or Health Visitor.
• If you are finding it hard to cope with your child's behaviour, you can find more advice from the NHS
• Download the positive parenting guide from the NSPCC

You:

Raising a child can bring a mixture of feelings – from excitement and hope, to fear and worry. It can also stir up powerful emotions from a parent's own early experiences.

Research tells us that more than 1 in 10 mums and around 1 in 10 dads will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the first years. Many of these difficulties go unseen, undiagnosed, or untreated. If you, or your partner, is struggling, it is important to seek help and support.

• You can speak to your GP or Health Visitor.

You can also find some additional information, advice and further signposting from these organisations: 

• AIMH – The Association for Infant Mental Health
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance  - good links to resources and support.
• The Parent Infant Foundation may have a team near you (39 UK locations)

Crisis Support:

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, or feeling suicidal and needs urgent help you can access support in the following ways:

• Go to A&E at your local hospital
• Phone emergency services on 999
• Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), or email [email protected]

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