Raising Fire-Starters: Fanning the Flames of Lifelong Learning in Your Kids

By Shelly Bowling

There’s a moment every parent lives for—the wide-eyed wonder when a child discovers

something new, be it the mechanics of a yo-yo or the phases of the moon. But somewhere

between spelling tests and screen time battles, that natural curiosity can start to dim. The

truth is, loving to learn isn’t just a phase—it’s a lifelong asset. The good news? You have

more influence than you think. With the right approach, you can nurture that flicker of

interest into a flame that burns well beyond the school years. And no, it doesn’t require

color-coded schedules or turning your kitchen into a science lab (unless you want to).

Let Curiosity Lead the Way

You don’t have to be an expert in quantum physics or ancient Mesopotamia to support your child’s learning. What you do need is a willingness to follow their questions wherever they go—even if it’s down a rabbit hole of how cheese is made or why pigeons bob their heads when they walk. Curiosity thrives in an environment where questions are welcome, even when the answers aren't easy. When your child asks something you don’t know, say so. Then look it up together. That joint exploration builds a subtle but strong message: learning isn’t about already knowing—it’s about being willing to know.

Walk the Walk by Going Back to School

Nothing sends a stronger message to your child about the value of education than seeing

you pursue it yourself. Whether it’s late-night study sessions after bedtime stories or

weekend papers squeezed between soccer games, your efforts show that learning isn’t just

for kids—it’s for anyone bold enough to grow. Today’s online degree programs make it

easier to juggle work, family duties, and school without having to pause your life. If you’re

drawn to understanding what makes people tick, earning a degree in psychology lets you

explore the cognitive and emotional drivers behind human behavior—and if that sparks

your interest, this is worth a look.

Build a Home Where Learning Isn’t Just for School

Too often, “learning” becomes boxed into the hours between the school bell and homework

time. But the best kind of learning doesn’t clock out. Think of your home as a low-pressure,

high-possibility learning lab. Books that beg to be cracked open, puzzles on the coffee table,

kitchen experiments that double as math problems in disguise—all of these send the

message that knowledge lives here, and it’s part of everyday life. And when your child sees

that reading isn’t just for assignments but for joy, that curiosity isn’t a chore but a

companion, the shift is almost magical.

Praise the Process, Not the Outcome

“Wow, you’re so smart!” seems harmless enough. But it’s a slippery slope. When praise is

tied to results, kids can get nervous about falling short. Instead, try something like, “I love

how hard you worked on that,” or “You really stuck with that puzzle even when it got

tricky.” This kind of feedback focuses on effort and perseverance, which are the real

engines behind a love of learning. When kids understand that struggle isn’t failure—it’s just

part of the process—they’re more likely to keep going, even when things get tough.

Model Your Own Learning Moments

If you’ve ever muttered “I’m just not a math person” in front of your child, you’re not

alone—and you’re not helping. Kids are sponges. They soak up how you talk about your

own intellectual life, whether it’s figuring out how to change a tire, trying a new recipe, or

learning a second language on a whim. Share your stumbles, your breakthroughs, your

questions. Normalize learning as an adult. Let them see that learning doesn’t stop at

graduation, and that curiosity isn’t just a kid thing—it’s a human thing.

Keep Screens in Their Place

This isn’t an anti-tech rant. Screens can be wonderful—interactive apps, educational

videos, and digital books can open doors. But screens should support curiosity, not stifle it.

Watch out for passive scrolling and algorithmic rabbit holes. Instead, co-view content with

your child. Talk about what you’re seeing. Ask questions. Use screen time as a jumping-off

point: “That cartoon about space was wild—should we check out a book on the solar

system next?” The goal isn’t to ban tech, but to anchor it in a broader world of engagement.

Protect Boredom Like It’s Sacred

We panic when our kids say they’re bored. But boredom isn’t a crisis—it’s a gateway. In

those quiet, unstimulated moments, creativity kicks in. The brain starts making its own

entertainment. It’s in that lull that a child might decide to build a city out of cardboard or

write a comic about a time-traveling hamster. Resist the urge to fill every gap. Give

boredom breathing room, and trust that something remarkable might grow in the stillness.

Say Yes to Weird Interests

Maybe your kid is obsessed with ancient Egypt. Or mushrooms. Or train schedules. Instead

of redirecting them to something “more useful,” lean in. Find books, documentaries,

podcasts—even local clubs—related to their passion. Obsession isn’t a flaw; it’s fuel. And

deep dives build confidence, research skills, and attention to detail. Let them nerd out. The

world needs more passionate learners, not just good test-takers.

If you’re trying to raise a child who loves to learn, don’t look for a finish line. Learning is

messy, nonlinear, and sometimes full of false starts. You’ll have seasons where your kid is

all-in on science, and others when they seem more interested in memes than anything

academic. That’s okay. The goal isn’t constant progress—it’s staying connected to that

spark. Be the co-conspirator in their curiosity. Celebrate the questions. Cheer on the

setbacks. And remember, the most powerful lesson your child will learn is not from a

textbook—it’s from watching you believe that learning is a gift, not a grade.

Stay connected with Galesburg’s vibrant community by visiting The Burg, your go-to source

for local news and events!