A Parent’s Guide to Robotics for Kids

For decades, robotics has captured the curiosity of young minds. Watching a robot come to life that you’ve helped build and controlling each movement is fascinating, and in an ever-advancing field like robotics, your child’s imagination can unlock endless possibilities! This subject, which falls within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), is one of the many STEM disciplines that has had a surge in career opportunities, and we should expect the job market to continue to grow.

What can you do to encourage your child to explore their budding enthusiasm for robotics? Here are some helpful tips to get started:

Be a curious co-learner.

Be genuinely curious and willing to learn alongside your child. You don’t need to be an expert to be a part of this journey—you and your child can explore and learn together! Ask questions about what your child is learning and show interest when they share knowledge with you. This collaborative approach will encourage them to stay engaged and can help strengthen your bond.

Provide access to resources.

Your child is going to need the right tools to explore the interesting world of robotics. Consider investing in age-appropriate kits, books, or online programs, such as the K12 Robotics League. You can also find local robotics clubs, workshops, or classes where they can interact with like-minded kids and mentors who will be excited to learn alongside them. Encouraging your child to be a part of the camaraderie of competitions and camps is a great way to help fuel their enthusiasm for robotics.

Encourage creativity.

Did you know that robotics is not just about technology, but it also requires a lot of creativity? Encourage your child to think outside the box by experimenting with different designs and coming up with their own unique solutions. Creativity is often what leads to innovative breakthroughs!

Support learning beyond robotics.

Robotics is a field that involves many different STEM disciplines, so your child will want to explore related subjects such as math, physics, and computer science. An understanding of these STEM subjects will help provide a solid foundation for their robotics endeavors.

Celebrate achievements, big and small!

Get excited and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how big or small. Did they build their very first robot? That’s cause for a celebration! From beginning milestones to winning a competition, your excitement and praise will boost their confidence and motivation.

Start nurturing your child’s interest in robotics and you could watch a lifelong passion blossom and eventually lead to an exciting and promising career in STEM—which currently includes some of the most in-demand jobs. Your encouragement and support go a long way as they explore new interests and finetune their skills, helping them take one giant step toward a future filled with innovation and discovery.

Get started today by joining the K12 Robotics League, where your child will uncover an exciting world of robotics coding, resources, and competitions.