Little Explorers

The Explorer Inside of You: Teaching Children to Ask Questions and Make a Difference

By Amanda DeWitt

eHeader Little Explorers

It starts with a question. 

Who? How? Why? Inventions are born, problems are solved, missionaries are sent — all because of a simple question. 

What if instead of tuning out our children’s questions, we welcomed them? What if we cultivated their curious minds, encouraging them to not only ask hard questions but to also consider ingenious solutions? 

You can help the children in your care discover the explorer inside of them by teaching them to use their questions and curiosity to make a positive impact.

Invite honest questions

Life comes at us quickly. As much as we may seek to shield our children from harsh realities, they inevitably come upon us. 

Why do some children not have enough to eat? Does every child get to go to school? How could a little one have no option but to drink such dirty water? 

Honest and raw, our children are often shocked by life’s realities. Their first inclination is to ask in order to understand. 

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, questions are our opportunity to educate appropriately. So let the children around you know questions are welcomed as much as possible. 

Of course, not every question is appropriate for every setting, so discernment is always needed. But when you are able and when appropriate, invite questions and celebrate an inquisitive mind.

Praise the questions they ask. Let them know there are no silly inquiries. If you are a parent, let your child know there is no question that is off limits — they are always welcome to come to you with anything. 

Then take the time to answer honestly. Be genuine too. If you do not know, tell them so. Then invite them to come along with you in the adventure of seeking out an answer.  

Explore Solutions Together 

Children love action. They are by nature fixers and doers. Encourage them to embrace the problem solver within them.   

After you have answered their questions and provided age-appropriate education, help them explore solutions to the problems they see. Encourage their inquisitiveness to extend beyond asking and understanding, to creating positive change.

Can your child pray about the problem they have encountered? Can they do extra chores to give to those who are suffering? Can you go serve together to help those in need? Can you work together to raise awareness about a cause they care about? 

Talk about the possibilities. Let them know their concerns and ideas are important. Encourage them to participate in God’s work around the world. No one is too small for Him to use. 

Draft an action plan

After you have discussed the problem and possibilities, prayerfully draft an action plan. Let your child be a part by writing down or drawing out how they want to serve. 

Are you going to pray together? Think about specific requests you can bring to the Lord each day. 

Are you going to give? Plan out how much you will donate. If they are going to do chores or invite others to participate, write down the specific details. Then sit down and make your gift together on the specific date you have decided. 

Are you going to serve together? Research where you are going to go. Pick a date and schedule it. Sign up and do any preparations needed for your service or volunteer assignment. 

Are you going to raise awareness? Talk about how you are going to do this by drafting specific action steps. Write down who you are going to talk to and how you are going to accomplish your plan. 

At every point focus on teaching your children that they can make a difference. God wants to use each of us, no matter our age or size, to serve others and help them discover His eternal hope. 

Ready to Start Exploring?

Help your children start their adventure by downloading our FREE Little Explorers activity booklet. Each page encourages children to think about the needs of others while doing things like a coloring sheet, hidden picture find, or dot-to-dot activity. Download your copy today!

Published February 17, 2025

Amanda

Amanda is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Gift for Leadership, Kindred Spirit, and Christianity Today publications. She holds a M.A. in Media and Communication from Dallas Theological Seminary.