How to Tap into a Child's Learning potential

(again with the cure all? - uhm, no, not exactly)

I come across parents (almost always non-homeschooling) almost weekly who use these phrases in some fashion or another:
1. "I do not really know enough to teach my child"
2. "I have not enough patience to teach my child"
3. "they are constantly questioning me and I just do not have all the answers"

Surprise!
None of us do.

At one time or another we have all been left feeling frustrated, impatient, or stupid with our kids (or dare I say, our friends kids!).

WARNING: This next statement may just end up being a cure all.

The importance of not knowing everything is how your child will crave learning. When they can "teach you".

Lets say for example that your child asks you more than you know on a particular subject. Turn it around and make it a lesson,

"...you know sweetie, I am not really sure, but lets find out together..."

or for you less than interested, um I mean, creative problem solvers, use this one:

"...you know I really do not know, why don't you find out and tell me..."

I must stress the need of following through here, especially if you are inclined to use the latter of the two suggestions.

This should seem a little too easy. It certainly reads that way. However, the more I observe, the more I see how difficult this is to implement. People seem to have a basic need to show, 'hey, I know the answer.' Visions of the child in the back row practically jumping out of their seat with their hand raised waving desperately around in an attempt to get the teachers attention,come to mind. This may seem crazy but if this is how you feel or at one time felt, count on the fact that is how your child feels as well. It is a good thing, desire.

This type of teaching (yes, I know, 'this is a type of teaching? Not know the answer?!') is what is called constructivist teaching. Bare with me here, when a parent moves from dispensing all the information (know and giving the answers) to facilitators of learning (showing children where to get the information, i.e. library, Internet) is a constructivist form of teaching. It is invaluable to taping into your child's desire to learn.

When this method is implemented, the child takes on an active role in acquiring knowledge and thus takes more ownership of it.