Why It Matters: Nurturing a Love for Learning and Creativity Early On

As both a mom and an educator, I’ve come to believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to fall in love with learning—and that starts much earlier than most people think.

Whether it's watching my own kids get lost in a picture book or seeing a spark in a student’s eye when they discover how music makes them feel, the early years are full of wide-open moments to explore, absorb, and grow. That’s why cultivating a child’s interest in academics and the arts isn’t just something we should do—it’s something we must do if we want to raise thoughtful, well-rounded, curious humans.

It’s not about pushing them to read before kindergarten or memorizing math facts before they’re ready. It’s about exposure—giving them the space to ask questions, express themselves, and discover what lights them up. When we read to our kids, when we give them crayons and blank paper, when we let them sing their hearts out or build elaborate block towers, we’re helping them understand that their ideas matter. We’re also helping them build skills they’ll carry for life: focus, creativity, problem-solving, and confidence.

Academics and the arts aren’t separate from the rest of life—they’re how kids begin to make sense of the world around them.

I’ve seen firsthand how early encouragement can change everything. A child who’s praised for their curiosity becomes a lifelong learner. A child who’s celebrated for their imagination learns to trust their voice. That’s powerful.

So whether it’s signing them up for a music class, letting them “teach” you what they learned at school, or simply cheering them on when they ask “why” for the hundredth time—know that it matters. You’re helping shape a mind that’s open, eager, and ready to grow.

And honestly? That’s the kind of future I want for all our kids.