The Power of "Why": Encouraging Childhood Curiosity with Dr. Tamara Girardi

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman talks with Dr. Tamara Girardi about her work as an award-winning author focusing on children's literature. Tamara delves into her "Why" series, celebrating childhood curiosity and encouraging young readers to embrace their natural inquiry. As both a parent and academic, she shares insights into the diminishing phenomenon of questioning as children age and offers strategies to nurture inquisitive minds. Additionally, Tamara discusses her personal balance between professional endeavors, family life, and her observations as a college educator. Episode Highlights 00:00:09: Introduction to the Helping Families Be Happy podcast and host Adina Oberman. 00:01:43: Introduction to Dr. Tamara Girardi, her background, and books. 00:02:17: Tamara expresses gratitude for working with Familias on her book series. 00:02:34: Discussion on the "Why" series for children and its themes. 00:02:50: Tamara highlights the origin and purpose of the "Why" series inspired by her children. 00:03:45: The importance of including hugs in both books for their emotional impact. 00:05:31: Discussion on magical moments in children's literacy and reading together. 00:06:19: Challenges of writing a children's book due to the necessity of word precision. 00:07:26: An example question from the series inspired by Tamara's son. 00:08:49: Importance of understanding children's perspectives through books. 00:10:07: Encouraging children's questions and embracing their curiosity. 00:11:05: Decline in questioning as children age and the importance of inquiry in learning. 00:14:22: Strategies to keep children curious and engaged in questioning. 00:16:22: Introduction to the grandpa and grandma books in the "Why" series. 00:17:08: Tamara's future projects, including nonfiction work and family activities. 00:20:44: Challenges as a college professor and developing student inquiry skills. 00:23:28: Balancing family life with writing and professional goals. 00:25:28: Information on how listeners can connect with Tamara Girardi online. 00:25:34: Closing remarks and gratitude from the host. Key Takeaways The "Why" series celebrates childhood curiosity and encourages children to ask questions. It’s essential to nurture an environment where questioning is appreciated to support cognitive development. Despite busy schedules, parents and educators should find time to engage with children's inquiries actively. Balancing personal, professional, and family duties is crucial for personal fulfillment and family happiness. Shareable Quotes "Nobody asks more questions than a 4-year-old." "Questions really are the heart of inquiry and how we learn." "Hugs carry so much power—they reduce stress and improve health." "Celebrating childhood curiosity is paramount, especially in an overstimulated society." Show Notes by Barevalue.