In the rush of daily life — school runs, screen time, structured activities — it’s easy to overlook one of the most powerful forces in a child’s development: awe. That heart-stirring feeling when staring at a starry sky, watching ants build a colony, or hearing a story that makes the world feel bigger. Awe is not just for poets and philosophers — it’s essential for young minds too.
When we teach children to experience awe, we nurture humility, connection, and wonder. These qualities counter the growing culture of entitlement, overstimulation, and apathy. A child who can pause to marvel at a sunset is more likely to pause in other areas of life — to think, to feel, to care.
Why Awe Matters
Psychologists have found that awe can improve mental health, enhance empathy, and even reduce stress. It allows children to feel part of something larger than themselves, helping to reduce anxiety and egocentric thinking. In a world that often celebrates the loudest and boldest, awe reminds children that there is value in silence, smallness, and observation.
Everyday Awe Moments
You don’t need to take your child to the Grand Canyon to inspire awe. It’s in the dew on a leaf, the sound of birds at dawn, or the intricate way a spider spins a web. Ask them: *What do you think the stars are made of? How do trees talk to each other?* Questions like these don’t need answers; they invite wonder.
Modelling Awe as a Parent
Children mirror what they see. Let them catch you marvelling at a flower, rereading your favourite childhood book, or stopping to listen to rain. Share what fills you with wonder — even if it’s just how perfectly your tea turned out that morning.
A Counterbalance to Consumerism
Awe teaches children that happiness isn’t always bought or found in fast-paced entertainment. It shifts their attention from having to being — a subtle but powerful shift that fosters contentment and imagination.
Raising a child with a sense of awe isn’t about being mystical or philosophical. It’s about teaching them to stay awake to life. In a world where many are asleep to beauty, helping your child see magic in the ordinary is one of the greatest gifts you can give.