How Grandparents Can Help Girls Grow in STEM
Grandparents have a unique and cherished role in a child’s life — not only as loving family members but also as powerful influencers of learning, curiosity, and confidence. At Surprise Powerz, we know grandparents can be extraordinary champions of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), especially for young girls. Your encouragement, time, and shared experiences can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Here’s an in-depth look at how grandparents can actively nurture a granddaughter’s STEM journey, turning everyday moments into meaningful STEM learning opportunities.
1. Be a Personal STEM Role Model
Children learn a great deal by watching the adults around them. As a grandparent, you have the chance to show enthusiasm and curiosity for STEM in everyday life. Whether you’re gardening, fixing something around the house, cooking a new recipe, or exploring nature, talk aloud about what you’re doing, what you’re discovering, and how STEM plays a part.
Sharing your personal stories of learning and problem-solving—no matter your own background—models a growth mindset and shows that STEM skills are for everyone and every age. These moments let your granddaughter see that learning never stops and that curiosity is a lifelong adventure.
2. Engage in Playful STEM Together Using Surprise Powerz Dolls
Our interactive STEM dolls like Vera the Vet® and Codie the Coder® make it easy and fun to weave STEM into imaginative play. Use these dolls to create story-based learning experiences where your granddaughter can role-play real STEM careers and challenges.
For example, with Vera the Vet, you can pretend to care for pets, learn about animal biology, or solve simple medical mysteries. With Codie, you can build simple coding puzzles or talk about how computers work. This hands-on play reinforces STEM vocabulary, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills like empathy and perseverance.
3. Share Hands-On STEM Activities and Experiments
Grandparents often have time, patience, and wisdom that make STEM activities even more meaningful. Simple, everyday experiments and projects are perfect ways to learn together and bond.
Try baking, which teaches measuring, fractions, and chemical reactions. Plant seeds in the garden and talk about plant biology and growth cycles. Take nature walks to observe insects, birds, or weather patterns. Even fixing broken toys or household items introduces engineering concepts. These shared experiences help your granddaughter connect STEM to the real world and see it as relevant and exciting.
4. Encourage and Celebrate “Why?” and Other Questions
Curiosity drives STEM, and young girls often ask “why?” as a way to understand their world. When your granddaughter asks questions, celebrate them enthusiastically rather than rushing to answer. Encourage her to make her own predictions or guesses first, and then explore answers together.
Use resources like children’s science books, educational videos, or simple experiments to investigate. This approach builds critical thinking, observation skills, and a love for discovery. Your patience and support will empower her to become a confident question-asker and problem-solver.
5. Use Positive Language to Build Confidence and Resilience
STEM learning often involves trial and error, and children need emotional support to keep trying. Praise your granddaughter’s effort, curiosity, and creativity rather than just “right answers.”
Say things like:
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“You’re doing a great job figuring that out!”
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“Mistakes help us learn and grow.”
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“I love how curious you are about how things work.”
These affirmations build a growth mindset and encourage resilience, helping girls see challenges as exciting puzzles rather than obstacles.
6. Link STEM to Helping People and the Planet
Many young children are naturally empathetic and want to help. Connect STEM learning to these values by talking about how science and technology can make the world better.
With Vera the Vet, discuss caring for animals and how veterinarians help pets stay healthy. Talk about climate change and environmental protection in simple terms, or how engineers design inventions that conserve energy or clean water. Showing how STEM helps real people and animals inspires purpose and passion.
7. Be an Advocate for STEM Education
Grandparents can also be powerful advocates for STEM learning by supporting your granddaughter’s school, extracurricular activities, or community STEM events. Encourage her to join clubs, attend workshops, or participate in science fairs.
Your enthusiasm and encouragement can make her feel proud and excited to be part of the STEM world. Consider gifting Surprise Powerz STEM dolls or kits that reinforce these skills and messages at home.
8. Stay Curious and Learn Together
Remember, you don’t have to be an expert to support STEM learning! Showing that you’re eager to learn alongside your granddaughter sets a wonderful example.
Explore new topics together, ask questions, and be open to discovering answers. This shared journey not only strengthens your bond but also models lifelong learning and curiosity.
Your Role Makes a Difference
Grandparents, your time, love, and encouragement are invaluable. By nurturing STEM curiosity, celebrating questions, and making learning fun and relevant, you are planting seeds that will blossom into confidence, skills, and a bright future. Surprise Powerz dolls and simple STEM activities are wonderful tools to help you create joyful, impactful learning moments that your granddaughter will remember forever.
