From Curiosity to Careers: How to Encourage Kids Toward Engineering

As parents, we often notice how curious our children are. Whether they’re taking apart toys or figuring out how things work, this natural curiosity is the first step toward something bigger: the potential to become an engineer.

Encouraging your child’s interest in engineering is about more than just guiding them toward a career—it’s about developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love for learning that can help them in any area of life.

Engineering is a broad field, and it can be hard to know where to begin introducing kids to it. But the good news is that there are many ways to spark their interest and guide them. Whether they’re excited about building things, designing new technology, or simply exploring how things work, here’s how you can help them turn that curiosity into a possible career.

Building Interest in Engineering: Start With What They Love

Kids are natural explorers. Whether they’re stacking blocks, drawing, or playing video games, many activities they enjoy already involve problem-solving and creative thinking—two key skills in engineering. The first step to getting them interested is by showing how these activities connect to what engineers do. For example, if your child enjoys building with LEGO or creating structures with items around the house, you can point out that they are already doing the basic tasks of an engineer: creating and solving problems.

From there, you can introduce them to the wide range of engineering fields by explaining that there are different types of engineers, such as those who design buildings, develop software, or create technology that shapes the future. A great way to start is by talking about the 3 types of engineers: civil, mechanical, and electrical, to help them understand the many possibilities.

Making Engineering Fun and Accessible

Engineering can seem like a complicated subject, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to make it fun and accessible for kids, so they don’t feel overwhelmed by technical details. You can do this by incorporating simple activities into their playtime or daily routine. For instance:

Building projects: Whether it’s assembling a simple model car or constructing a bridge out of popsicle sticks, hands-on activities can bring engineering concepts to life. Encourage your child to experiment with different designs, solve problems, and think about how things work.
Tinkering and taking things apart: If your child loves taking apart toys, encourage this curiosity. Talk about the different parts they see and how they fit together. Understanding how things work from the inside out is a fundamental part of engineering.
Educational games and apps: There are many games and apps available that focus on building, coding, and design. These tools can introduce your child to engineering in a way that feels like play.
STEM-focused toys: From robotics kits to engineering sets, there are a variety of toys that introduce kids to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. These can be a fun way for children to engage with engineering in a hands-on way.

The goal is to make engineering feel less like a distant or complex subject and more like something your child can play with, explore, and understand. By showing them that engineering is something they can do now, you build their confidence in their ability to tackle challenges and think critically.

Encouraging Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

One of the most important skills that engineering fosters is problem-solving. Engineers are, at their core, problem solvers. They look at a challenge and come up with ways to address it efficiently. Helping your child develop this skill can start with simple, everyday tasks:

Ask questions: When your child is playing or working on a project, ask them questions like, “How do you think this works?” or “What could you do to make it better?” Encouraging them to think critically about how things work fosters a mindset that is key to engineering.
Encourage experimentation: Engineering often involves trial and error. Let your child know that it’s okay to try something, fail, and try again. Failure is a part of the learning process, and it helps them figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Support their curiosity: If your child shows an interest in how something works, take the time to explore that interest together. Whether it’s watching videos, visiting a museum, or working on a small project, engaging their curiosity is the best way to encourage them to keep asking questions.

Finding Real-Life Examples of Engineering

Another great way to inspire your child is by showing them real-world examples of engineering in action. You don’t have to take them on a field trip to a construction site—although that could be fun! Instead, start by pointing out everyday things in your environment that are products of engineering.

Bridges and buildings: Next time you’re driving or walking through the city, point out bridges, tall buildings, or other structures. Explain that civil engineers design these projects, and talk about how their work makes life easier and safer.
Technology at home: From the phone in your hand to the microwave in the kitchen, many things we use daily are the result of engineers’ work. Discuss how engineers help make these devices, and how technology impacts our lives.
Environmental engineering: With the growing importance of sustainability, many engineers work on projects that focus on renewable energy or reducing waste. Introduce your child to the idea that engineers can also help the environment through their work.

Seeing real-life examples helps children connect the dots between their curiosity and how engineers solve real-world problems.

Exploring Engineering Careers Together

As your child’s interest grows, you can start exploring specific engineering careers together. Many schools offer STEM programs or clubs that introduce students to engineering concepts, and there are also numerous online resources available for parents.

Consider introducing your child to role models in engineering. Watch videos or read articles about engineers who are making a difference in the world, whether they’re designing robots, developing renewable energy solutions, or creating new ways to access clean water. By showing your child that engineers are everywhere and in many different fields, you can inspire them to consider it as a future career.

Engineering is all about curiosity, creativity, and solving problems—qualities that many children already have. By encouraging these traits and showing your child how engineering relates to the things they already love, you can help them see a future where they can design, build, and make a real impact.

From building blocks to bridges, the path to becoming an engineer starts with curiosity. Whether your child dreams of creating new technology or designing the next great invention, your support can help them turn that curiosity into a rewarding career. Keep nurturing their interests, and who knows? You may just be raising the next great engineer.