Five Tips to Help Kids Fall in Love with Learning

Fostering a love for learning in children is one of the most rewarding aspects of parenting and homeschooling. When kids develop genuine curiosity and excitement for gaining knowledge, education becomes a joyful journey rather than a chore. It also fosters independence, which as a homeschool parent of varying ages, is a huge help in lessening the demands of constant parental guidance (or dare I say... nagging).

But how? Here are five tips to help kids fall in love with learning, tested by a homeschool mom.

1. Lead by Example and Love to Learn

The most important way to inspire a love for learning is to engage in it! Children naturally imitate what they see, so if we express joy and curiosity in learning, they are more likely to do the same.

I’ve found that when we read books together, explore new topics as a family, or have discussions about interesting things we’ve learned, our kids become naturally more curious. Beyond doing these things together, showing joy for learning in front of them, even on our own, is very important! Whether it's picking up a new hobby, reading an intriguing book, or researching a topic we are curious about, this shows them that education doesn’t stop in childhood. It doesn't stop after schoolwork is done. If we show excitement about learning new things, they will too.

Here are some examples in our house:

I adore writing short stories, poems, and more! My children witness this and my two oldest have really taken to creative writing. They have journals of poetry, short stories, story ideas, and more!

My husband, Brian, loves making things. Recently he has gotten into printmaking and now all of our children have a keen desire to make stamps!

In your home, it might be birdwatching, computer repair, board games, or hiking. Whatever it is for you, encourage your kids to ask questions by responding joyfully.

2. Offer Choices

Giving children some autonomy in their education helps them feel more engaged. When kids have a say in how they approach learning, they develop independence and a more positive attitude toward their work. Instead of dictating every step, I offer choices like, “Would you like to do Reading or Math first?” or “Would you rather do your math at the kitchen counter or in the living room?” These small decisions give them a sense of ownership over their education, with the same outcome of completing the work. This makes learning more enjoyable for everybody. When children feel even that small added amount of self-governance, they are more motivated and confident in their learning process.

We have a couch kid, a table kid, and a feet-in-the-air kid. Hey, as long as it gets done.

3. Celebrate your Child's Personal Learning Process

Recognizing and celebrating your child's personal learning process builds confidence and motivation. I try to be intentional about noticing what my children do well and pointing it out in a specific way. I might say, “I love how you stuck with that tricky question!” or “I noticed how carefully you wrote your letters today!” This kind of feedback helps develop a learning and growth mindset, where the learning process itself and persistence are valued. Creating this positive environment encourages kids to take risks in their learning without fear of disappointment.

If I only focus on the final answer, they are less likely to take risks and more likely to worry. And guess what! They find the correct answer just as often or more often because their brain is in problem-solving mode rather than chore mode.

(Ha! I want to note that sometimes our brains are still in chore mode. Nobody's perfect.)

4. Don't Battle About Work—Leave as Tensions Rise

Sometimes, the best way to keep learning positive is to recognize when to step back. If a child is overwhelmed or frustrated, arguing will only make the situation worse. I’ve learned that when tensions rise, the brain isn’t in a place to learn effectively. Instead of engaging in a power struggle, I try to remain calm and say, “I will not argue about this. I love you. Good luck,” and then walk away. Not engaging in ineffective power struggles has made a huge difference in our homeschool environment.

Think about your own experience when learning a new skill. Did a power-struggle ever make you think to yourself, "I really want to work harder on this skill," or did it do the opposite? As a naturally stubborn person, I know my answer.

5. Avoid Undermining your Child's Learning Experience by Doing Too Much

Struggle is a natural and necessary part of learning. While it’s tempting to step in and make things easier, doing too much can hinder growth. It’s okay for children to feel challenged—it’s part of the process. Learning isn’t always easy, but perseverance leads to confidence. By stepping back and letting them wrestle with their own work, I’m giving them a greater gift than immediate success: the ability to learn and grow on their own.

For a child learning to read, it might look like staying quiet when they are struggling with a word rather than providing the next sound, which can feel like a more natural response. If a child asks "How do you spell Rhinoceros?" You can respond with "Great question! How do you think you would spell that?"

Conclusion

Helping children fall in love with learning requires a love of learning! By fostering curiosity, offering choices, celebrating successes, knowing when to step back, and encouraging independence, we can create an environment where education is truly a joy.

"But, Heather, what if I don't love to learn?" Well then, I suggest you take these tips and use them on yourself! A love of learning is LEARNED. You can gain this skill, even as an adult. If this sounds like you, I promise you won't regret it!

What has helped your child develop a love for learning? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments! (And if you found it helpful, don't forget to share this post!)

Pray, Always!

Oh Good Teacher,

Thank You for my children and for the opportunity to teach joy in discovering this beautiful world that you created. May our home be filled with gentleness, patience, and a love for learning.

In the Name of Jesus, Amen.