How to Ensure STEM Enrichment for Your Child

Not all moms are super-excited about taking on the challenge of enriching their kids with science and math, much less taking on the even more difficult fields of engineering and technology. And, even if they would absolutely love to–there’s many moms that can’t. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But that doesn’t mean your kid has to go without. But, How to Ensure STEM Enrichment for Your Child – Even When YOU Can’t?

an easy way to make sure your kid is getting science technology engineering and math enrichment in the summer feature

It’s not that I’m not interested in ensuring some STEM enrichment for my teen…but he and I just don’t get along. Another time that it’s ok. Right?

Because, sometimes your kid is just resistant to mom being the teacher–but needs to have that extra encouragement, regardless. I mean, mine won’t even take his headphones off to talk to me to find out why I’m taking his picture. Heh.

how to ensure STEM enrichment for your kid -- even when YOU can't fb

Books. Even if they’re just checked-out from the library, having books on hand can pique a kid’s curiosity. Even if you can’t MAKE them read the books…if they’re just laying on the kitchen table…trust me, this trick really does work.
After-School and Summer Programs. You have to sign them up for something anyway, right? Even the moms that stay home and are super-involved in their kids (nothing wrong with that, but not every mom can or even wants to–and there’s nothing wrong with that, either). So, sign them up for something like the Boy’s and Girls Club of America. They’ve got a new initiative, the Boys & Girls Club of America My.Future platform that illustrates their dedication to enriching their students with fun, hands-on STEM activities.
Talk. Does your kiddo know how important STEM enrichment is going to be for them? Has anyone mentioned to them that they’re going to need these skills to compete for jobs in the global economy? Or that STEM jobs are expected to grow nearly twice as fast as other fields by 2018? Let them know. Level with them. You might be surprised by their willingness to help themselves.
Lead. Did you know that you, as the parent, have every right to speak to any of your child’s teachers and tell them where your priorities are for your kiddo? That you can lead their teaching with a little positive request? I’m not suggesting you go into a classroom and demand that your student be given special treatment. But, if your kid’s teachers know that you’re interested, but just don’t know where to start or how to help your child–they will be MORE than happy to help you set that up. They can give you ideas, send home extra credit options…or even offer after school help. It just takes mom leading that conversation. Otherwise, you can try to find a math tutor who can help you with teaching your kid.

My favorite choice for my teen is to work with the Boys & Girls Club. Honestly, they’ve been at this for a long time (more than 150 years), helping kids grow and feed an interest in STEM careers. And the initiative shown by their adoption of the Boys & Girls Club of America My.Future platform shows that this commitment is going strong–and helping encourage kids to integrate STEM topics into those activities they already love.

So, I’m in for doing this over the summer–and probably after school next year. He wants to be an engineer–and maybe the Boys & Girls Club can help him get there.

Do you have any other ideas for how to ensure STEM enrichment? Drop me a line in the comments below or hit me up on Facebook. I need all the help I can get! LOL!