How can parents inspire STEM learning in their kids? If you have a child who appears curious all the time and can ask a barrage of questions within a short while, then it is nothing to worry about. My little cousin once asked, “How does a car work”? Lol, where do I even start from? I hear questions like this every day from him. While it can be pretty tiring, I have decided to continue encouraging him. Kids are curious about the world around them, and sometimes I wish I had all the necessary information to load him up with the knowledge he seeks.

Asking questions is one of the most valuable requirements for a STEM career. But why a STEM career, you may be wondering? As technology advances and becomes an integral part of work, a strong STEM background will be non-negotiable for workers seeking to improve their career prospects. There is a growing demand for STEM-related skills, but there is a shortage of STEM talent to fill the role. It is estimated that there is a three million talent shortage, and this is expected to grow.

A lot of children are not interested or proficient in STEM subjects, but that can change. Here are four simple but effective ways to ignite your child’s interest and love for STEM subjects

Encourage Questioning

A curious child will always ask questions, and it can be tiring but never discourage the child. Most of the inventions and advancements in technology we enjoy today started with curiosity and questioning. If your child asks questions, that can also be the beginning of developing the STEM mindset to help him/her create a path to follow in life. When your child comes with how and what questions, encourage them by asking them to use google, then ask them what they eventually find out. Doing this would help kids improve their critical thinking and possibly spur some new interests for them.

Educational toys

Gather simple supplies and educational tools such as building bricks, Leggo, a magnifying glass or microscope, and necessary science materials. Get as many home STEM experiments as possible to boost curiosity and interest in science. We have a free ebook on fun STEM experiments that kids can engage in at home. Click here to download

Make Career Connections

Do you sense that your child might be interested in STEM? Start encouraging them by telling them about the exciting professions it can lead them to. Expose them to the importance of STEM and how it helps the world we are living in. Through this, you are trying to expose them to different options for a STEM career.

STEM Extracurriculars Activities

An exciting way to foster interest in STEM is by enrolling your child on STEM extracurricular activities. Most summer camps are no longer limited to sporting activities; they now include STEM in their list of programs to spark interest in kids and familiarise them with the necessary knowledge. Some specific organisations only focus on STEM-related activities for kids teaching robotics and coding, like the STEM club.

If you are looking to inspire your child’s interest in STEM, then you must make an effort and create time for fun learning together. You can engage your kids with tons of STEM activities, and they are just there at your fingertips. We also have a free eBook on fun STEM activities that can be done at home. Click here to download.

Click the share button below to share this article with other parents in your network.