Science Matters :: Talk to Your Child About Science
May 2009
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What you say to your child is important. But what may be even more important is what you don’t say.
Parents often convey their attitudes and expectations in indirect ways. If you tell your children, “I never liked science in school” or “I got my worst grades in science,” you convey the expectation that science classes will be boring or difficult. On the other hand, if you say, “I wish I could do that experiment with you,” or “I’m so glad that you are having opportunities that I missed," you will open doors for your children.
Not every child, of course, is destined to seek a career in science. But every child should be able to become a scientifically literate adult, and every child should know that if he or she chooses science as a career, they can succeed. Parent expectations encourage positive attitudes and personal best.
Don’t forget, too, that girls are every bit as curious as boys are about science. Buy your daughter that tool kit. And remember that science is often “messy.” But there’s a difference between the clutter that comes from enthusiastic activity and the piles that result from neglect.