Don’t Just Say “As Long as the Child Likes It” — A Common Misunderstanding About Kids’ Interests

Estelle B
Jul 4
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

I came across a quote on social media that resonated deeply with me:

"More and more parents are saying, ‘As long as the child likes it, that’s enough.’ But I want to tell you—this might be the biggest misunderstanding about growth."

Many parents talk about “respecting freedom” and believe children should discover kids’ Interests. It sounds democratic, but in reality, this view misunderstands how children actually develop.

Especially in the early years, when children’s judgment and self-awareness are still forming, their interests don’t grow out of pure freedom. They are shaped by environment, feedback, companionship, and gentle guidance.

1. Kids’ Interests are planted, not random

Think of a child who loves drawing. Their story is rarely: “One day I suddenly loved art.” Instead, it usually looks like this:

Parents offered paper and pencils early on, allowing messy scribbles.
Each drawing was noticed, appreciated, and praised.
Later came art classes, where new skills and techniques were introduced.
Through encouragement and recognition, the child gained confidence and joy.

What started as simple scribbles grew into a passion—because the environment kept providing positive experiences. In truth, education should be a warm greenhouse, where interests can sprout in soil rich with support and encouragement.

2. Interests sprout from environment and feedback

I know a little girl, just five years old, who is fascinated by science. She wasn’t born a scientist—her family spent years planting seeds: gardening together, observing insects, watching documentaries, joining local nature groups.

One day, during a science talk, someone told her, “You know so much!” Her eyes lit up. That tiny moment planted a seed of loving exploration.

Her interest wasn’t innate genius. It was the soil of experiences, feedback, and encouragement.

3. Real freedom comes after exposure

In New Zealand, families often appear relaxed about children’s learning, but this is not “hands-off.” Behind the scenes, parents and teachers carefully:

Take children to libraries, museums, and community events.
Stay in close contact to track their progress and tendencies.
Provide variety at home: books, blocks, music, sports gear, art supplies.

True freedom of choice only comes after children have been exposed to many options. How can a child know what they love if they’ve never tried it?

4. Parents as designers of stepping stones

A parent’s role isn’t to push a child down one path, but to lay stepping stones across the grass so they don’t stumble in their exploration.

You don’t need to provide all the answers, but you do need to create the first opportunities:

An environment safe enough to try and fail.
A parent willing to join the journey.
Eyes that notice and affirm a child’s spark.

Even without abundant resources, you can join free community events, repurpose materials for DIY projects, or simply explore nature together.

The starting point of interest isn’t how much you have—it’s whether you’re willing to take that first step alongside your child.

Living in New Zealand, many parents sense the emphasis on letting children “be themselves.” But the real self emerges after exploration, encouragement, and guidance.

Freedom isn’t an excuse to step back. A child’s genuine passion is the seed that grows only after we’ve tilled the soil, shone the sunlight, and poured the water. Our small acts of presence may quietly shape their path in profound ways.