Keep those questions coming.

• Author: O'Toole, Victoria Ryan
• Position: Life in American - Child curiosity

IF YOU ARE A PARENT, you know that children naturally are curious. Youngsters ask question after question about every conceivable topic (plus a few you never had thought of previously). Even before they can talk, children actively explore the world around them through all five senses. However, for many youngsters, as they grow their curiosity is dulled instead of sharpened. They become dependent on outside influences--TV, computers, video games, their parents, etc.--to keep them engaged and entertained, and they no longer show a strong desire to seek out answers and knowledge independently. It does not have to be that way.

As a parent, there is a lot you can do to enhance your child's curiosity--and summer is the perfect time to help kids develop an active interest in the fascinating world around them. Not only should you gladly answer your children's 10,000,000 questions, you should teach them to ask more. Just because school is out does not mean that learning has to stop. In fact, over the next few months, asking questions and developing a healthy imagination can be more fun than ever.

Helping your children strengthen their "curiosity muscles" is a wonderful gift because it enables them to learn, grow, and question the world they live in and sets them up for a successful future. The truth is, curiosity and creativity are two of the most valuable skills young people can have as they prepare to enter the global economy. As professionals, they will have to innovate on the go, think of better ways to solve old problems, create time- and money-saving solutions, and much more-and right now, during childhood, is when parents have the power to create that foundation.

Do not let your children spend the long, sunny days of summer in front of a television or computer screen. Instead, let their curiosity lead them out the door and into adventure. Once you begin to help your kids "see" all of the interesting questions that can be found in everyday life, they soon will begin to ask them naturally.

Here are curiosity-enhancing questions you might ask and explore with your children during 11 common summer scenarios:

Gardening. How long does it take a flower to grow? What does a plant need to grow? What can you use plants for? (While they are pretty to look at, many can be used as food or even medicine.) Why do plants have roots? What do worms, bees, and other insects do in a garden? How many different types of plants are in your backyard or favorite...