Fostering a Lifelong Love of Learning in Children: Tips for Parents & Caregivers

By Laura Pearson

In today’s fast-paced world, nurturing a child’s love for learning has become a pivotal challenge for parents and educators alike. As digital distractions abound and attention spans dwindle, the quest to maintain a child’s innate curiosity and passion for discovery appears more daunting than ever. However, cultivating an environment that celebrates creativity, encourages self-recognition, and promotes mindful learning can transform this challenge into a rewarding journey.

Creating a Home Learning Space

Creating a special learning nook at home can be a game-changer in nurturing your child’s creativity and curiosity. Designate a spot solely for educational activities, helping your child mentally associate this area with learning and exploration. Whether it’s a cozy corner or a dedicated desk, a well-organized space encourages focus and provides easy access to essential materials, fostering an environment ripe for discovery. Add vibrant colors and interactive objects to further stimulate imagination and inquisitiveness.

Acknowledging and Celebrating Success

Helping your child acknowledge their own successes can significantly boost their intrinsic motivation, sustaining a lifelong love for learning. Encourage your child to set personal goals and celebrate when they achieve them. This boosts their self-esteem and helps them develop skills like goal setting and self-awareness. Create an environment where they regularly reflect on their progress, nurturing their ability to independently reward themselves. Involving them in deciding the rewards can make the process more engaging and self-directed, further supporting their educational journey.

Empowering Children with Hands-on Learning

Organizing regular family activities that involve hands-on learning can be a fun and effective way to nurture curiosity and critical thinking in children. Activities like cooking together teach practical skills while introducing concepts such as measurements and nutrition. Gardening offers lessons in biology, patience, and responsibility, while building simple machines encourages creativity and problem-solving. These shared experiences not only strengthen family bonds but also make learning engaging and interactive, helping children to develop a love for discovery and experimentation.

Earning a Degree to Lead by Example

By nurturing your own curiosity and enthusiasm for education, you set a powerful example for your children. If you’ve been putting off getting a degree, pursuing an online degree offers the flexibility to balance aspirations with responsibilities. For example, exploring online accounting degree programs equips you with essential skills in areas like managerial accounting and estate taxation, demonstrating the importance of lifelong learning to your children. As you engage in your educational journey, your kids observe the value of intellectual growth, positively influencing their academic pursuits.

Incorporating Daily Mindful Moments

Incorporating mindfulness into daily routines can nurture your child’s love for learning by encouraging them to be present. Make everyday activities, like walking or cooking, opportunities for mindful engagement, helping children focus on their senses and thoughts. Utilize prompts to remind them to remain grounded, fostering curiosity about their surroundings. Embrace simple mindfulness practices during routine tasks, such as being aware of sensory experiences while brushing teeth, to develop a habit of thoughtful observation.

Unlocking Curiosity Through Questions

Encouraging your child’s curiosity can be effectively achieved by incorporating open-ended questions into your interactions. Questions starting with “why” or “how” invite your child to explore ideas and express their thoughts more freely, fostering deeper engagement with learning. Ask questions like “What do you think will happen if…?” or “Why do you believe that?” to stimulate critical thinking and boost their confidence in sharing unique perspectives.

Engaging with Interactive Online Platforms

To preserve and nurture your child’s enthusiasm for learning, explore online educational platforms designed to provide interactive and engaging activities. These platforms offer engaging lessons with gamified elements, making learning feel like play. They use quizzes and interactive lessons to captivate young learners, turning study time into a fun, competitive experience. The key is to find platforms that emphasize hands-on participation, keeping children intrigued and active in their learning process.

By weaving curiosity, creativity, and mindfulness into the fabric of everyday life, you’re not just laying the groundwork for academic success but fostering resilient minds and open hearts. Each step you take is a step towards unlocking endless possibilities. Let your home be a sanctuary of discovery, where both you and your child revel in the shared joy of learning.

Discover how you can live powerfully and make a difference with Empowered Flower Girl. Learn about our impactful workshops and resources that transform relationships and combat bullying.

About the author:

Laura Pearson is the founder of Edutude and is passionate about teaching the younger generation. Edutude was built to share resources on how to keep children engaged and in love with learning.

Image: Designed by Freepik

She’s EmPOWERed: Colorado Teen is Blazing a Trail in Mountain Biking

Isabela Wester-Rivera is taking the mountain biking world by storm. At 17, she competes on the Puerto Rico National Team and Donovan Racing Team and holds both the title of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Mountain Bike Champion in her category (Junior, female). While her journey began as a competitive rock climber, after nearly a decade in the sport, Isabela pivoted to focus solely on mountain biking—a decision that has sparked new opportunities and aspirations.

“I started climbing competitively when I was seven after watching Ashima Shiraishi in a climbing competition,” she shared. “I started mountain biking to increase my endurance and leg power for dynamic jumps in climbing. It was then that my family and I discovered that I had great talent and skill for not just climbing but also cycling.”

While she had a passion for climbing, mountain biking presented a promising path forward.

But Isabela’s journey in the biking community hasn’t come without challenges. “Mountain biking is a male-dominated sport, especially in the USA, where competitors don’t always look like me,” she explained. “I am not only a female but also Latina and on the autism spectrum. So when I race, I remind myself of everyone I’m representing—females, Latinas, bilingual speakers, those who are neurodiverse, and most of all my family—those who are with me and those who are no longer with me.”

Isabela’s future is as bright as her achievements. She plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder next fall to study architecture, coding, or linguistics. As she works toward the goal of representing Puerto Rico at the World Championships, her dream of competing in the Olympics remains in sight. She hopes her journey inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Follow Isabela’s journey via Instagram.

T. Rose Foundation to Host 6th Annual Girlpreneur Expo in Detroit

Empowered Flower Girl is thrilled to support the T. Rose Foundation as it celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of young innovators at the 6th annual Girlpreneur Expo! On Saturday, October 26, girls from across Detroit and the Midwest will gather to showcase their businesses and talents, creating a powerful platform for youth entrepreneurship.

The expo provides an incredible opportunity for young business owners to network with peers, meet experienced entrepreneurs, and present their products to the public. From jewelry and fashion to baked goods, skincare, and books, these girls are turning their passions into thriving businesses. The event is not just about sales—it’s about fostering creativity, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

A highlight of the day will be performances by talented young women, including She’s EmPOWERed alumna Kaci the Model—an anti-bullying advocate, rapper, and social media influencer. Kaci will bring her dynamic energy to the stage, alongside other amazing performers. Additionally, the foundation has some incredible prizes to give away, like tickets to the UniverSoul Circus.

Empowered Flower Girl will be at the expo, ready to connect with attendees and share information about our programs that empower youth and adults alike. Stop by our table to learn more!

Vendor spots are still available, and girls from all over the Midwest are encouraged to participate. For more details, visit https://www.t-rosefoundation.org/girlpreneur. Don’t miss this chance to support young girlpreneurs and celebrate their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit!

Saturday, October 26

Noon to 3 p.m.

Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood St., Detroit

FREE to attend

Girlpreneur Expo Flyer Updated

She’s EmPOWERed: Nonprofit Founder Going with the “Flo” to Help Girls and Young Women

At 19 years old, Amaya Waymon of Tallahassee, Fla., is already leaving a lasting mark in the fight for menstrual equity. As the founder of The Girl Flo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing period products, education, and advocacy, Amaya is tackling period poverty head-on and breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation.

The inspiration for The Girl Flo was born out of Amaya’s volunteer work. 

“I decided to start The Girl Flo based on volunteering in the school’s pantry that I still volunteer for in college,” she shared. What began as a local effort to supply period products to those in need has evolved into a far-reaching mission to install period product dispensers in schools and public spaces, ensuring students don’t miss class due to a lack of access to essential items.

By advocating for and installing free period product dispensers in schools, Amaya’s organization is removing the barriers that keep students from fully participating in their education. Period poverty—the inability to afford or access menstrual products—affects millions, but thanks to The Girl Flo, more and more students can attend school without fear of embarrassment or disruption.

The organization also goes beyond product access, hosting period poverty awareness events and launching campaigns to normalize conversations about menstruation. “Our goal is to make periods no longer taboo,” Amaya explained. Through educational resources, The Girl Flo empowers young people to take control of their menstrual health and pushes for policy changes to create sustainable, long-term solutions for menstrual equity.

Looking to the future, Amaya’s passion for creating lasting change doesn’t stop with The Girl Flo. She has her sights set on other avenues of influence—planning to attend law school and eventually run for political office. Currently, she’s seeking to join the Emerge National Training Program, which prepares women for political leadership roles. Amaya’s drive to serve her community and advocate for underrepresented voices positions her as a future force in both policy and social justice.

Through her work with The Girl Flo, Amaya is proving that one young woman can lead the charge toward a more inclusive and supportive world. We can’t wait to see what she’ll achieve next!

Follow The Girl Flo via Instagram

EmPOWERing Events & Opportunities

Workshop flyer 2 (3)This fall, Empowered Flower Girl is gearing up for a season of powerful events and opportunities!

In September, we’re supporting Attendance Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of students being present and engaged in school.

As we transition into October, we’ll join the movement for Bullying Prevention Month, raising awareness about the impact of bullying and empowering young people to stand up for themselves and others.

October also brings the International Day of the Girl, a global celebration dedicated to uplifting girls and gender-expansive youth, aligning with our mission to foster sisterhood and self-empowerment.

We invite you to get involved and make a difference! Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

 NATIONAL

September

  • Attendance Awareness Month – Every September, Attendance Awareness Month is observed to encourage regular school attendance which essential for academic success. Show up. Be present and have a great year!

DETROIT AREA

Friday, September 27

Empower Her Shine Gala  – Presented by Me, Myself, and I Teen Organization. Learn more and get tickets here.

NATIONAL

October

Bullying Prevention Month – A month-long event, Bullying Prevention Month aims to prevent childhood bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Friday, October 11

International Day of the Girl – Observed annually on October 11, International Day of the Girl is a key global moment on which to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership.

DETROIT AREA

Saturday, October 12

All Girls Matter Conference – Presented by America’s Big Sisters Foundation. Learn more about the AGM conference tour at www.americasbigsisters.com.

Sunday, October 13

Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards  – Presented by 3 Phases School of Etiquette. Learn more and get tickets here.

Saturday, October 26

Girlpreneur Expo – Presented by the T. Rose Foundation. The event is free to attend. Girl bosses under 18 can register for vendor tables for only $30. Learn more here.

Tuesday, October 29

Giant Step Teen Conference – Presented by Wayne State University’s Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute and brings teenagers together from diverse backgrounds to discover all they have in common. Learn more at www.mpsi.wayne.edu/outreach/teen-conference.

Empowered Flower Girl’s Be EmPOWERed Interview Series Returns This Fall

Empowered Flower Girl is thrilled to announce the return of our Be EmPOWERed Interview Series on YouTube this fall! Get ready to be inspired as we connect you with some of the country’s most amazing changemakers, social impact founders, advocates, and all-around awesome individuals. This series is dedicated to showcasing those who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.

If you run a nonprofit, social enterprise, or business that focuses on empowering youth or women, we want to hear from you! Share your story, inspire others, and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating positive change.

Interested in being featured? Email us at rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com or fill out the form here. Submissions will be accepted on an on-going basis. Tune in starting mid September for our launch!

We can’t wait to spotlight your incredible work and amplify the voices of those committed to making a difference.

She’s EmPOWERed: Philadelphia Teen Turns Her Bullying Experience into a Mission to Help Others

Thirteen-year-old Aleemah Lanier is an anti-bullying advocate and author making waves with her message of kindness and resilience. She was recently featured on a CBS Philadelphia news segment and in Metro Kids magazine where she shared her inspiring journey which began after experiencing bullying at her new school. 

Nationally, 1 in 5 students aged 12 to 18 face bullying each year, highlighting the need for strong support systems and resources for them.

Determined to make a difference, Aleemah co-wrote the book “Let’s Help the Bullying” with her mom, Edwena, offering valuable lessons on conflict resolution and positive thinking. The book, which also comes as an interactive coloring book, is designed to engage youth in understanding and combating bullying.

Aleemah’s advocacy doesn’t stop there. She, her mom and her sister all actively participate in and facilitate various impact initiatives, including a girls’ mentoring group. This dynamic trio is dedicated to uplifting youth in their community and spreading awareness about the importance of kindness and empathy.

As the school year begins, Aleemah’s message is more timely than ever. She wants to inspire other children and teens to be brave, stand up against bullying, and treat each other with compassion. 

Aleemah’s aspirations extend beyond her advocacy work; she also dreams of becoming a doctor.

We are excited to watch her journey unfold and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she’ll continue to make. Aleemah truly embodies the spirit of being emPOWERed, and we’re honored to highlight her story.

Learn more about the Let’s Help the Bully movement via Instagram.

Empowered Flower Girl Founder & CEO to Receive Presidential Lifetime Achieve Award

Rasheda Kamaria Williams will be honored at Oct. 13 awards ceremony for her dedication to mentoring and empowering youth

Empowered Flower Girl is thrilled to announce that Rasheda Kamaria Williams, founder and chief empowering officer, has been selected to receive the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (PLAA). The award is the highest level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, launched in 2003 to recognize “the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity.” The national award recognizes individuals whose service positively impacts communities nationwide and inspires others to take action.

“I am truly honored to be recognized for doing what I love – helping children and teens realize their power to make a difference in the world,” Rasheda shared. “Becoming a mentor 24 years ago transformed my life, and I’ve since dedicated myself to empowering and educating others to be there for our youth. I’ll continue to amplify the voices of mentors and mentees, recognizing those making an impact.”

Rasheda, along with other distinguished honorees, will be celebrated at the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremony on October 13. The event will be hosted by fellow PLAA recipient Shanithia Jhons, founder and CEO of 3Phases School of Etiquette. Tickets for the ceremony are available for $50. We invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and the incredible work being done to uplift our communities.

Visit https://3phases.info/be-our-guest-1 for tickets and to learn more about 3Phases School of Etiquette.

The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Enrollment Open for Girl World Peace Academy Course + Coaching Program

Educators, mentors and other purpose-driven professionals encouraged to enroll

Watch this video for a behind-the-scene look at the course

Just ahead of the back-to-school season, Empowered Flower Girl is excited to announce that enrollment for Girl World Peace Academy (GWPA) – our virtual course + coaching program – is currently open. GWPA aims to equip educators, mentors, nonprofit founders and other youth advocates with the necessary tools and resources to create a more empathetic and kind world for youth, especially for our girls, young women and gender expansive tweens/teens.

“In the digital age, girls and young women face unprecedented challenges that demand immediate attention through targeted resources, programs, and initiatives,” said Empowered Flower Girl Founder and Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams. “We look forward to working with more educators and advocates who are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of young people who need our empathy and support more than ever.”

A 2021 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed a disheartening reality: nearly 3 in 5 teen girls (57%) reported feeling “persistently sad or hopeless,” marking the highest rate in a decade. This trend underscores the urgent need for schools—where more than 95% of U.S. youth spend their days—to transform into supportive environments that prioritize mental health and social wellness alongside academic achievement. 

Girl World Peace Academy offers practical tools and one-on-one coaching to help adult participants address challenges like digital harassment and social exclusion, which are increasingly prevalent among 21st century teens. The program also offers solutions as well as resources and support for individuals to launch new or elevate existing programs/initiatives.

I found the Girl World Peace Academy very helpful in my process of starting my program for girls” said Chantia Thompson of Good Vibz Yoga and Girlz Empowered. “With the help and information Rasheda provided, I feel more confident and motivated to get started. At first I was unsure of how to get start, how to get the kids engaged and keep them interested in the program. My one-on-one call let me ask questions, get tips and information and discuss possible issues that could come up.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.girlworldpeace.com/info. Receive an additional $50 off enrollment when you schedule a free discovery call.

She’s EmPOWERed: Virginia Tween is a Champion for Mental Health 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This month, Empowered Flower Girl celebrates the incredible work of compassionate changemakers who are using their time, talent and treasure to champion the cause of mental health. Individuals like Mila M., a Virginia tween on a mission to provide tools and resources to her peers who could use a little positive energy.

After seeing a need for mental health support and resources for girls in her community, *12-year-old* Mila applied for a microgrant as part of the #BlackGirlJoyChallenge, an initiative of the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. With this initial support, she started assembling carefully curated packages (or mental health boxes) filled with items designed to promote wellness and self-care. 

“I quickly realized how important this was and decided to grow it into a non-profit,” Mila shared. “It is important to give Black girls tools to address their mental health because they often do not talk about their mental health due to stigma.”

Mila, who has faced her own battles with mental health, is attuned to the disparities in how mental health is perceived, particularly within the Black community. Through MH Boxes, Mila is breaking down barriers and providing a safe space for young Black girls to make self-care a priority. Each box contains resources and activities to encourage self-expression, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.

Mila’s outreach efforts have been recognized by media outlets and organizations throughout Virginia. In April, she was honored as a Chesterfield Community Champion and featured in a CBS news segment highlighting her delivery of 188 “MH Boxes” to Communities In Schools of Richmond.

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, Mila reminds us all of the importance of supporting and uplifting underrepresented voices, especially when it comes to mental health.

Keep up with and support Mila and MH Boxes via Instagram

*At the time we wrote this feature, Mila was 12. As of May 8, Mila is officially a teen! Happy Birthday.