The Whole Parent Podcast

Do Schools Kill Curiosity? #86


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Why some kids stop asking questions (and what to do at home to protect their curiosity).

If your child seems disengaged, says “I’m not good at this,” or melts down over learning, it’s easy to assume it’s about attention, behavior, or motivation. But often, what looks like defiance or lack of focus is actually a loss of curiosity. In this video, we break down what’s happening in your child’s brain when learning becomes about performance instead of exploration—and how that shift can lead to resistance, overwhelm, and disconnection from learning itself.

What You’ll Learn:

  •  Why toddlers and preschoolers are naturally wired to learn—and what disrupts that 
  •  The hidden impact of rewards, praise, and “getting the right answer” 
  •  How to respond when your child says “I can’t” or “I’m bad at this” 
  •  Simple ways to rebuild curiosity and intrinsic motivation at home 
  •  How to reduce power struggles around learning, homework, or skill-building 

This approach is grounded in developmental psychology and neuroscience, but translated into real-life parenting. No scripts, no quick fixes—just a clear understanding of how kids actually learn, and how to support that without shutting it down. The goal isn’t to make your child perform better—it’s to help them stay connected to their natural drive to explore, think, and figure things out.

If you’re tired of second-guessing how to handle resistance, meltdowns, or “not listening,” this channel will help you respond with more clarity and confidence—especially in those everyday moments that feel the hardest.

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The Whole Parent PodcastBy Jon Fogel - WholeParent

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