How to Foster Curiosity in Babies & Toddlers

The following post is written by Steady Mom's monthly contributor, Melitsa.

Hands up if you have an independent toddler who wants to do things his way!

Same over here. My little one has two older brothers, which I think encourages this independence.

It started with a snatched spoon and a look that said, "Feed-me-no-more!"

Part of the struggle at this age (My son is 18-months-old), is that they can do some things but need help to do most things.

Most things they want to do makes us nervous. I have a climber and he is fast!

You leave the table to move 3 steps to the sink and he's run 5 metres, scaled the chair and is happily about to plant his hand in your food/drink/computer or bill payment.

Life is an all out battle of test and see what I can and can't do. But it is tiring for us and annoying for them to be constantly stopped.

Little ones need autonomy too. They need to make their own decisions and be able to follow their curiosity.

And we can help make a happy outcome for all by setting up situations that allow them to have some control--instead of constantly trying to steal it from us.

Rather than having a constant battle, practice the art of choosing your battles and give and take. 

Here's one idea to get you started.

Pudding and Yogurt Play

Babies and toddlers love to taste and touch. They are sensory inspired. Give them safe items to discover. (Check for dairy sensitivity or intolerance before trying this activity.)

Ready the area to maximize their fun because if it raises your stress levels then it's no fun for anyone.

Why yogurt or pudding? It's easy to clean up. Great for first tastes. We prefer the plain or simple tastes over the stronger flavors of vanilla/chocolate.

1. Spoon a few dollops of yogurt on the high chair and step back.
2. No showing what to do.
3. Resist!

Try not to intervene.

Let them lead. Experiment and follow a train of thought that isn't yours.

Keep them safe by being present and nearby. Try not to engage them with your voice, smile or expression. 

We do everything for them and love to do it, but we need to find moments when they can just be.....themselves. Starting like this will encourage and not squash the desire to discover that is natural for babies and toddlers.

As part of being intentional parents we need to encourage curiosity and problem solving in our children.

The ability to think out the box comes from masses of time to experiment, daydream and try.

They are not just making an enormous mess but learning, playing and being very intentional scientists.

**How do you encourage your baby to express his or her curiosity?**

Melitsa is raising three full of fun boys in various countries, as a military wife and mother. She writes at her blog, Play Activities, and also hosts a weekly podcast, Raising Playful Tots, dedicated to making the most of playtime.