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t only takes a mocking laugh to shut down a moment of wonder. A child might ask why grass grows or how flowers bloom—and then hesitate if someone rolls their eyes. That’s where your voice matters most. Try, “That’s a really good question—I’m glad you asked that,” and say it where others can hear. Share their curiosity with friends or family. When you show interest in what caught their attention—whether it’s a plant or a phone—you’re making it clear: curiosity deserves protection. They learn that wonder isn’t something to hide—it’s something to stand up for.

One evening, my daughter spotted a firefly blinking in the backyard. I crouched beside her and said, “That’s magic, isn’t it?” She nodded, eyes wide. Later, I told her aunt about it—and her face lit up all over again. “You always notice the good stuff,” I said. That moment became a turning point. She started asking more: about fireflies, phones, leaves, light. Nights became explorations, where no question felt too small or strange. Every why we lifted up added to her confidence. Wonder, she began to see, was something worth standing up for.

Help that confidence grow by turning wonder into a shared ritual. When your child notices something new, invite them to bring it into a conversation—around the table, in a voice message to a grandparent, or during a bedtime chat. Encourage them to share the same question more than once: first with you, then with someone else. That simple act teaches them the world doesn’t just tolerate their curiosity—it can welcome it.

TIPS

• Share whys to spark joy.
• Protect wonder to fuel curiosity.
• Track whys to deepen their gaze.

ACTIVITIES

• Toy Shield: Share a toy why with family at home, protect their spark—10–15 min
• Tech Guard: Defend a teen’s big why at home, invite their idea—10–15 min
• Wonder Circle: Share a favorite why with two people in your circle—track how each reacts (10–15 min)