The more you know, the more you don't know

Every day, I watch my son learn and grow.

It’s a delight and a privilege.

But it’s also fascinating to watch HOW he learns and grows.

Despite studying edutainment as an artform for ~20 years now, most of that study has been on adults, and young adults. Because, lets face it, most education for adults is boring, not very memorable, and uncomfortable when done right.

But it’s true for kids too. Most of it is low-effort and void of results.

In my home, my wife and I watch what engages my son, and lean into what works in a big way.

A show doesn’t engage him? Gone. A show really engages him? We go get every season of it and give it to him, while watching closely for what it is about each episode that grips him or teaches him most.

A toy doesn’t help him learn or grow? We stop buying toys like that. A toy really brings him along? We get lots of it, and construct games that unlock more toys for progression and further incentive.

We do it because we love him, of course.

But its fascinating to see how much I’m learning in the process, about using fun for growth in young minds.

It’s really not that different to adults. I assumed it would be very different, and very saturated, but it’s really not.

I love that, 20 years in, I’m still having huge revelations on the topic.

The more you know, the more you don’t know.